Prickly pear sorbet or granita
Prickly pear sorbet or granita is a refreshing frozen dessert made from the vibrant magenta juice of the prickly pear cactus fruit (also known as tuna or cactus pear). It's a simple, dairy-free treat that can be churned into a smooth sorbet or scraped into icy crystals for a granita, originating from arid regions where the cactus thrives, like Mexico, the Mediterranean, and the American Southwest.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This is a low-fat, virtually fat-free dessert that is primarily a source of quick-energy carbohydrates from natural fruit sugars. It provides notable amounts of vitamin C, magnesium, and antioxidants, with a typical serving containing roughly 120-150 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 135 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbs | 34 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Vitamin C | 20 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Manganese | 0.3 mg |
| Calcium | 35 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a staple way to enjoy the abundant prickly pear fruit in hot climates, transforming a spiky, intimidating cactus pad into a sweet, cooling delicacy. Nutritionally, the fruit's deep color comes from betalains, powerful antioxidants also found in beets, which are less common in fruits.
