Nicaraguan Semilla de Jicaro Recipe

Semilla de Jicaro is a unique and traditional beverage made from the seeds of the Jicaro (calabash) tree. The seeds are extracted from the hard, cannonball-like fruit, then washed, dried, and toasted before being ground into a fine powder along with rice and spices like cinnamon. When mixed with milk or water and sugar, it creates a drink with a distinctively nutty, horchata-like flavor that is incredibly refreshing.

The Jicaro tree itself is highly significant in Nicaraguan culture; its hard shells are carved into bowls and cups used to serve food and drinks like Tiste and Pinolillo. The drink is valued not only for its taste but also for its nutritional properties. It represents the resourcefulness of Nicaraguan gastronomy, turning the seeds of a tough, inedible fruit into a delicious and cherished refreshment found in markets throughout the country.