Description
A vibrant, magenta-hued syrup made from prickly pear cactus fruit, perfect for sweet and savory dishes, cocktails, and wellness recipes.
Ingredients
8–10 ripe prickly pears (about 3 cups chopped)
¾ cup organic cane sugar
1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Optional: 1–2 teaspoons raw agave nectar
Optional swaps: coconut sugar, monk fruit, or maple syrup
Instructions
1. Rinse prickly pears while wearing gloves.
2. Slice off both ends and peel to expose pulp.
3. Chop fruit and place in saucepan with ¼ cup water.
4. Simmer for 15 minutes to soften.
5. Strain juice through a sieve or cheesecloth.
6. Return juice to pan, add sugar and lemon juice.
7. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer for 25–30 minutes.
8. Stir frequently and check for syrup consistency.
9. Let cool, transfer to a glass jar, and refrigerate.
Notes
Add mint, basil, or jalapeño during simmering for extra flavor.
Pairs beautifully with pancakes, roasted vegetables, cocktails, and vinaigrettes.
Stores well in refrigerator for up to one month.
Use gloves when handling fresh prickly pears due to glochids.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Syrup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: prickly pear, cactus syrup, vegan, homemade syrup, desert fruit