Although its name (in Spanish) suggests that Pera-piña (pineapple and rice drink) is made from pears, in reality, it has been given this name because its taste and texture resembles that of pear juice. A favorite with kids, this nutritious drink is the perfect merienda.
Why we ❤️ it
It took me a long time to figure out that Pera-piña (rice and pineapple drink), one of my favorite fruit drinks wasn't a drink my mom -- a frugal woman if there was ever one -- made up to get rid of pineapple peels and cores, just as she would find ways to use nearly everything this side of edible. I really, really believed we were the only ones drinking this.
Not that I didn't like it, mind you, I loved it, but I thought my mom was using us as a garbage disposal of sorts. So I pretended I disliked it. Now I am sure that my mom wasn't buying the act, an empty glass doesn't really spell disgust. This is a very refreshing, and nutritious drink, and children love it.
Top tips
You can use the pineapple for another recipe, for this one only the peel and core will be used.
Pera-piña (rice and pineapple drink)
How to serve
This is a great breakfast fruit juice, but is also served as a mid-afternoon snack. Serve with a slice of arepa, some pan de agua, or yaniqueque for a merienda.
About this recipe
I have no idea who came up with this drink, or where it came from. The origin of its name is pure speculation on my part. I don't know if there's anyone out there who makes it significantly different from this one either, so if family has another version, I'd love to hear about it.
Recipe
Pera-Piña [+ Video] (Pineapple and Rice Juice)
Ingredients
- Peel (rind) and core of 1 pineapple, (see notes)
- ½ cup rice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar (white, granulated), (or to taste)
Instructions
Cut the pineapple peel and core into small pieces.- Combine pineapple rind and core with rice and 2 quarts [2 lt] of water in a large pot.Simmer covered over low heat until the rice is very tender and has tripled in size (about 20 minutes after it breaks the boil), adding water as it becomes necessary to maintain the same level. Remove from the heat.
- Add vanilla extract, and let it cool to room temperature, blend until all the ingredients are liquified.Strain and discard the solids. Add sugar to taste.
- Serve chilled.
Tips and Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated automatically based on ingredients listed. Please consult your doctor if you need precise nutritional information.
FAQs
To make this rice and pineapple drink the pineapple skin is boiled about 30 minutes.
You can make this Dominican rice and pineapple juice by boiling the pineapple skin together with the rice and blending them.
You can make pera-pina juice with the boiled pineapple skin, or you can make guarapo de piña, also made with the pineapple rind.
Published Jan 3, 2004, and last revised
This is pretty great I love being able to use the peel and core. The sieveing of the liquid is the most tedious part. I had one of those semi useless handheld milk froathers laying around and decided to try and use it in the sieve when it got clogged… Read more »
hi i was wondering if we could use frozen pineapples?
Boiling pineapple peels can be traced back to Natives in South America and the Caribbean. The drink is called chicha. Original used corn and pineapple peel. Not only for drinking this is used in cooking. Pineapple and rice is also done in Panama. In Puerto Rico they add chilies and… Read more »
Do you use the entire pineapple or just the peel and core?