Peru won’t cease to amaze us; as proof, we have the Sanky. If this is your first time hearing about this fruit, you’re not the only one. The writer lived in Peru almost all his life and never heard about this fruit. However, although it is not that popular compared to other Peru’s exotic fruits, we have a lot to discuss about this humble but powerful fruit.
Stay with us to unveil the secrets of this ancient superfruit and why it is beneficial for you to consume it. We’ll also give you a recipe to try at home, so let’s dive in.
Sanky’s origin and importance
The “Sanky” (Corryocactus brevistylus) is a unique fruit from the Peruvian Andes, in South America that still fascinates lots of people. It looks a lot like a prickly pear, with small, thin spines, and its inside is similar to the texture of a kiwi. You can find this cactus fruit in high-altitude areas of Peru, above 8,000 feet above sea level.
Cusco, Anchash, or Arequipa, are some of the places where you can find this ancient fruit. Thanks to its low sugar and slightly tangy flavor, it can be a great addition to a healthy diet. Plus, it offers numerous health benefits and can be used in various tasty dishes!
Its round, spiny exterior, like a prickly pear and dragon fruit, hides a soft, juicy inside. It has a slightly tangy flavor from its calcium and phosphorus. In the Inca Empire, several indigenous Andean communities have enjoyed the Sanky for thousands of years.
They found it to be a perfect snack during their long workdays, which is how it earned its nickname. Modern research shows its high nutritional value. In ancient Inca times, the Sanky was an important source of energy for the Chaski, the Inca messengers. They relied on it to help them stay strong during their long journeys. Sanky is also used by many in the modern day.
Sanky’s Benefits
People are starting to rediscover this amazing fruit because of its many health benefits. This spiky cactus can reach heights of up to 2.5 meters, and its fruit has long been cherished by local communities for good reasons. Sanky is especially rich in potassium, even more than bananas!
This mineral is great for heart health, muscle function, and managing blood pressure. It also packs a powerful punch with ten times more vitamin C than oranges. This boosts our immune system, helps absorb iron, and keeps our skin and hair looking vibrant.
Plus, Sanky is loaded with antioxidants, which help protect our cells from damage, lower the risk of chronic diseases, and keep our skin looking youthful. Besides Sanky is a great source of vitamins, it is also a source of protein and essential amino acids.
Culinary Uses and Other Uses
Sanky can be eaten raw or prepared in many ways, including boiling and simmering. People in the Andes prefer to eat it fresh, but you can also cut it in half and sprinkle it with sugar to reduce its tart flavor. In juices, you can mix it with water, and honey to create “sanky ade”, a mix that you can use later in other juices like smoothies, cocktails, or hot drinks.
Besides drinks, you can cook it to create jellies and jams. Keep in mind that this fruit is covered in long spines, so be careful to not get hurt. Sanky goes well with fruits like mango, lime, melon, coconut, etc, you can keep it in the refrigerator for one to two weeks.
Sanky Juice Recipe
Ingredients
– 1 Sanky fruit: If you cannot find fresh sanky, frozen pulp may be used.
– 1 liter of water: Adjust for your preferred consistency.
– 2-3 tablespoons of honey or agave syrup: Sweeten to taste, as sanky is naturally tart. You may substitute it with sugar if desired.
– 1 tablespoon of chia seeds (optional) – Chia adds texture and extra nutrients to the drink.
– Ice cubes – Optional, but ideal for serving chilled.
Preparation
Prepare the Sanky: If using fresh sanky, wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt. Carefully peel the fruit with a sharp knife to expose the inner flesh. Cut the sanky into pieces, discarding any seeds.
Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, add the sanky pieces, water, and honey (or sweetener of choice). Blend on high until you achieve a smooth consistency. Taste the mixture and add more sweetener if necessary to balance the tartness.
Strain the Juice (Optional): For a smoother texture, strain the blended sanky juice through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher. This will remove any remaining pulp bits or seeds.
Add Chia Seeds: If using chia seeds, add them to the strained juice and stir well. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the chia seeds to swell, creating a slightly thicker texture.
Serve: Pour the sanky juice into glasses over ice, garnish with a slice of lime or a few mint leaves if desired, and serve chilled.
Peru is like another world when we discuss what it’s got, come with us to discover more of Peruvian fruits, culture, and traditions with Viagens Machu Picchu. We can assist you in taking the first step into your adventure in Peru! Contact us to take the first step into your adventure.
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