On Wednesday our current and final work team of the summer enjoyed a delicious home-cooked lunch at the home of Nacho and Mari. As our hosts poured cups of green drink the question that seemed to be whispered around the table was “What is this that we’re about to drink?” Good question.
I’ve been blessed a number of times to dine with Nacho and Mari. Her homemade meals are always amazing and the drinks have gone from being unexpectedly unusual to my gringo palette to being expectantly unusual to my gringo palette.
This green drink did not disappoint my expectancy for a surprise.
Was it agua de melon verde (green melon juice)? No.
Agua de pepino (cucumber juice)? No.
Uhmmm…how about agua de pera (pear juice)? No.
Agua de té verde (green tea juice)? No.
Seriously…I’m running out of ideas for potential green drinks.
Answer is…agua de tuna. Oh, of course.
And with the correct answer out in the open, the team members’ faces began to look a bit concerned. Oh…no…”tuna” is not fish from a can by the way! It’s the name of the oblong seed pod that grows on top of the nopal cactus. If picked before it becomes a flower, it makes a fruit of sorts which can be eaten. And now I also know that it can be squeezed into a drink. I also know that one small cup with lunch is plenty for my gringo palette.
“Thank-you…yes, it is good. But this is plenty…really. Seriously, I’m really not thirsty. This satisfied my thirst completely. Wow…but very good.”
(I’ll get a Coke later.)
Knowing Your ABCDs 
A Coke later? My mouth was watering thinking of agua de tuna. You should have had another glass for those of us far away.
LikeLike
I would have guessed agua de menthe. They drink that in France – mint water. Not my favorite either. My grandma used to make tuna jelly. Required welding gloves to pick and prepare the fruit, though!
LikeLike
makes me think of some of the other interesting foods and drinks that can be found around Mexican homes!!
LikeLike
I've never had agua de tuna, but I looooooove tunas! So, it's gotta be good!
LikeLike
I like tunas, but have never had tuna juice! lol Looks, well, interesting! 🙂
LikeLike