Chayote-Ade (Agua fresca de chayote)
No aspect of Mexican cuisine gives more joy to Mexicans and visitors alike than the wonderful galaxy of cool, refreshing drinks (aguas frescas) made with every kind of fruit. They are like lemonade and orangeade transposed to a dozen different keys. There are even aguas frescas made with flowers, herbs, or vegetables. The basic idea is almost always to combine the chosen ingredient with cold water, enough sugar to sweeten it lightly (not cloyingly), and enough lime juice to brighten the flavor.Somehow I had never thought of making an agua fresca out of chayotes until I visited Orizaba, where it is almost a citywide obsession to cook with chayotes in every way, shape and form. (The citizens are nicknamed “chayoteros.”) Although the ones grown in the U.S. aren’t nearly as good as those of Orizaba, the delicate flavor is still pleasantly surprising in a summer-drink context.This video shows you how to prepare the chayote.
Ingredients
- 1 large chayote peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped
- 4 cups very cold water
- ¼ cup sugar
- Juice of 1 large lime
Instructions
- In a blender, process the chayotes and cold water to a purée.
- With a pusher or wooden spoon, force the mixture through a medium-mesh sieve into a bowl.
- Add the sugar, stirring to dissolve well; stir in the lime juice.
- Pour into a chilled pitcher and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 57kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 13mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg
