No Way Jose Cuisine

Acitrón is made from Biznaga, an endangered cactus from Mexico. To rescue it, other ways or substitutes have been found to make acitrón look-alike with watermelon rind, grapefruits, pear, apple, guava, figs, gummies, and many other options. 


Acitrón para Rosca de Reyes (candied fruit  for 3 Kings bread)

Peel the grapefruits, we only want the pith, that white part of the grapefruit between the flesh and skin; then remove the pulp/fruit and cut the pith into strips.

Add them to a pot with 1 cup of sugar and cover with water; add red food colorant and cook on medium heat until water turns into a syrup and the pith looks translucent—about 25 minutes.

Peel the watermelon with a peeler or a knife, whatever is easier for you; but removing only the skin; we want the white part of the rind between the fruits and the skin. Then slice it, remove the fruit, then cut it into strips about the same size you cut the grapefruit pith.

Add them to a pot with one cup of sugar, green food colorant, and just enough water to cover it. Cook on medium heat for about 25 minutes or until water turns into a syrup and the watermelon ring looks traslucent.

Store both fruits in separate jars or containers. These will last for a very long time in your pantry.

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