“Agua de Pepino” is Cucumber Water

It’s Good for You!

This popular Mexican drink is called “agua de sabor” – flavored water. It is found in Mexican restaurants and sold by street vendors throughout the country.

Cucumber water? That might sound strange to some northerners. But in Mexico, lunches, and dinners do not usually include a side dish of mixed vegetables.

Instead, Mexican dishes usually include meat, fish, or poultry and a serving of rice, beans, and a salad. Rather than eating vegetables, Mexicans like to drink them!

Cucumbers are so good for you!

Cucumbers are good for you. They have many health benefits¹.

• Cucumbers are 95 percent water so they are an ideal hydrating and cooling food
• Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory called fisetin that plays contributes to your brain health
• Cucumbers also contain polyphenols which may help to lower your risk of breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers
• Cucumber extract helps reduce unwanted inflammation, in part by inhibiting the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes
• Cucumbers are low in calories and high in fiber, which makes them useful for both weight loss and digestive health

Here’s how you can make this delicious and nutritious Mexican drink at home!

Ingredients:

• 2 liters of water
• Sugar to taste
• 2 cucumbers (pepinos) with skin, seed, and everything!
• 1 orange or 2 lemons – juice
• Ice cubes

Preparation:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cut up the cucumbers, skin, seeds, and all. Put the pieces in a blender with some water. Remember, the cucumbers are 95% water, so leave enough room in the blender for the mixture to expand.

Add the juice of 1 or 2 oranges or lemons. Liquefy the mixture in the blender. Pour the mixture into a pitcher and add sugar to taste. Serve cold with ice cubes. You can serve this drink with a sprig of fresh mint! WOW!