Pitaya Agua fresca is a traditional Mexican drink full of vitamins and antioxidants, perfect for any occasion. This drink is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy made with the exotic and colorful fruit pitaya. Have you ever tried pitaya fruit? If not, I highly recommend giving it a try in drink form!
Mexican Pitaya
Today I would like to talk about the Mexican Pitaya, one of the best-kept secrets of Mexican exotic fruits. Pitayas are considered a delicacy and the fruit of the Gods, even among locals where this fruit grows. This fruit grows in only specific Mexican states on enormous cacti, where people await their short harvest season. During harvest season, families pick pitayas at night to escape the heat and to ensure the fruit's life's shelf. I know you may think this is a lot of trouble for just a little fruit, but I assure you it is worth it.
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The individual responsible for fruit picking must have the skill to distinguish fully ripened pitayas amidst the darkness. They should be familiar in identifying them by their distinctive shape, the vibrant hue of their peel, and the delicate fragility of their spines. Prematurely harvesting the fruit from the tree results in an unpleasant bitterness, while delaying it for a mere day leads to excessive swelling and the rupture of its skin, accelerating the decomposition of its succulent flesh.
Techaluta de Montenegro is the town with the most pitaya fields in the State of Jalisco, which has given Jalisco the distinction of being the largest producer of this fruit in Mexico.
How People Eat Pitayas in Mexico
Pitayas have existed since prehispanic times, and even though everybody in Mexico knows them, only some have had the opportunity of eating them. On their short appearance at markets and street vendor stands, people mainly enjoyed them alone, as if they were eating a kiwi. At the same time, pitayas are also a great addition to salads, agua fresca, ice cream, popsicles, marmalade, gelatin, and even sushi. So, if you have yet to try pitayas and happened to find some, consider yourself lucky and buy a few; I promise that you will love them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pitaya Agua Fresca.
Before I share my recipe, I will answer the questions I usually get about this homemade recipe.
What are pitayas?
The Mexican pitayas is a traditional and flavorful fruit that mainly grows in the wild in parts of Mexico and Central America. Pitayas are sometimes confused with Pitahaya (dragon fruit) because of their colorful flesh with tiny crunchy seeds. They have various flesh colors, from bright pink, orange, deep red, and white.
What do pitayas taste like?
Pitayas' texture is similar to kiwi or watermelon, and the taste is sweet and juicy, almost like a less acidic kiwi, with very subtle earthy notes. Though, the flavor may vary slightly based on the variety. Their seeds provide a crunchy counterbalance to the fruit’s juicy sweetness.
Where can you find Mexican pitayas?
Pitayas are native to areas in Mexico, Central America, and South America and can be found in Latin and ethnic markets. Sometimes at specialty markets like whole foods and online.
Are pitayas healthy for you?
Yes, pitayas are delicious and healthy and contain a wide variety of vitamins and nutrients. Pitaya's flesh is low in calories and rich in vitamins C, B, potassium, iron, and calcium and is an excellent source of fiber. Their seeds are high in omega 3’s and a great addition to smoothies.
How to store Pitaya Agua Fresca
Pour any leftover drink into an airtight container, such as a pitcher with a lid or a mason jar, to store your pitaya drink. Store the container in the refrigerator, and consume the agua fresca within 2-3 days.
How to Make Pitayas Agua Fresca
Jump to full instructionsIngredients
- Fresh Pitahaya (frozen is ok)
- Lime juice
- Water
- Sugar
- Ice
Instructions
- First, peel the pitaya by carefully removing the fruit's outer shell.
- Next, cut the fruit into cubes.
- Then add the pitayas, sugar, and water in a blender until well blended.
- Finally, add the pitaya mixture and ice into a pitcher.
- Place in the refrigerator to chill, or serve immediately over ice.
NOTES:
If you only find Pitahayas "aka" Dragon Fruit, you can still make this drink using the same recipe. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Pitayas Agua Fresca
Pitayas agua fresca is a delicious drink to be enjoyed, like a tall glass of lemonade. It pairs well with any grilled meats and spicy food like enchiladas. It can also be a great beverage to have with an appetizer like Mexican hot dogs or a shrimp cocktail. For a low-calorie meal, try the grilled cactus for a quick and easy lunch. No matter your choice, pitaya agua fresca is the perfect drink for any occasion!
More Authentic Mexican Recipes
And in case you want to know what are the other Mexican recipes besides this delicious agua fresca, you can check my other recipes:
If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment below and tell us all about it!
-Mely
For more recipes, follow Us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. In español Visit Us at Mexico en mi cocina.
📖 Recipe
Pitaya Agua Fresca
Ingredients
- 2 cups of Pitahaya
- ¼ cup of Lime juice
- 8 cups of water
- ½ cup of sugar
- 3 cups of ice
Instructions
- First, peel the pitaya by carefully removing the fruit's outer shell.
- Next, cut the fruit into cubes.
- Then add the pitayas, sugar, and water in a blender until well blended.
- Finally, add the pitaya mixture and ice into a pitcher.
- Place in the refrigerator to chill, or serve immediately over ice.
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