Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Agua Fresca



It's beginning to be that season when we need to give special attention to our fluid consumption. With increased temperatures comes a need for increased fluids, as our body's defence against the heat. Not a water fan? No worries! Give Agua Fresca a try. Drinking Agua Fresca will not only increase your water consumption, but boost your fruit consumption.


Watermelon or Cantaloupe Agua Fresca

By MARTHA ROSE SHULMAN

Agua fresca is a light fruit drink popular throughout Mexico. It’s simply made by blending fruit with water, a bit of sugar and a little lime juice. Begin with sweet, juicy melon, or your agua fresca won’t have much flavor.

4 cups diced, peeled ripe watermelon or cantaloupe

3 cups water

2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon sugar

1. Blend together the watermelon or cantaloupe with 1 1/2 cups of the water, the lime juice and the sugar at high speed until smooth. Strain through a medium strainer into a large pitcher or bowl. Stir in the remaining water. Refrigerate for 1 hour or longer. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the agua fresca, garnish with a mint sprig, and serve.

Yield: Four servings.

Variations:

* Stir an additional cup of finely chopped fruit into the strained blended drink and refrigerate for 1 hour or longer.

* For the watermelon version, add 4 hulled strawberries.

* Mango or Pineapple Agua Fresca: substitute mango or pineapple for the melon.

Martha Rose Shulman can be reached at martha-rose-shulman.com.

No comments:

Post a Comment