Dried Pingüica (Arctostaphylos pungens), also known as Mexican Bearberry, harvested from the mountainous regions of Sonora. Traditionally used in Mexican herbal medicine for its naturally occurring phenolic compounds and arbutin, it is widely appreciated for preparing herbal infusions and functional beverages.
Organoleptic Properties
Dark red to reddish-brown color. Small spherical fruits. Firm texture when dried, softening during infusion. Herbal aroma with subtle resinous notes. Mildly sweet herbal flavor with a delicate astringent finish.
Suggested Uses
Ideal for herbal teas, traditional infusions and functional beverages. It pairs well with other herbs and fruits for enhanced flavor profiles. Recommended preparations include:
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• Pingüica, alfalfa and pineapple: a traditional refreshing blend commonly enjoyed as a natural cleansing beverage.
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• Pingüica, guava and lemon juice: a sweet and citrus combination that provides freshness along with naturally occurring vitamin C from guava and lemon.
Format
100 g pack. Fruits selected for uniformity, cleanliness and excellent commercial quality.
Storage and Handling
Store in a cool, dry place protected from humidity and direct light. Keep the package tightly sealed to preserve its organoleptic characteristics.
Freshness Criteria
Whole, clean and uniform fruits with characteristic color, free from moisture, contamination, insects or foreign material.
Origin
Sonora, Mexico.
Pingüica (Arctostaphylos pungens) is a shrub native to the mountainous pine-oak forests of northern and central Mexico. For generations it has been part of traditional Mexican herbal practices, where both its fruits and leaves have been used to prepare herbal infusions. The plant naturally contains arbutin, flavonoids and tannins, compounds studied for their antioxidant properties and traditionally associated with urinary tract wellness. Seasonal harvesting remains an important activity in several communities throughout the Sierra Madre Occidental.
