Agua de Guanábana (Soursop Water)

History & Origin

Soursop, also known as graviola or annona muricata, is a tropical fruit native to Mesoamerica and the Antilles that has been cultivated in the warm regions of Mexico since pre-Hispanic times. The Maya and Aztecs already consumed this fruit with its white, creamy, fragrant flesh, valuing it both for its flavor and its medicinal properties. Agua de guanábana forms part of the rich tradition of Mexican aguas frescas, those non-alcoholic drinks prepared with natural fruits, water and sugar. In the markets of Oaxaca, Veracruz, Tabasco and Chiapas, agua de guanábana is offered in large glass display jars alongside the classic aguas de jamaica, tamarind and horchata. The soursop pulp gives this agua fresca a slightly creamy texture that distinguishes it from other fruits.