Frogs in a blender: the juice that’s the toast of Peru - in pictures

Most of the customers at Ms Cruz’s juice stand are from the Andean region that borders Bolivia, where it is also popular.

To make the mix, which is sold in Peru’s Andes and also at some stands in its capital Lima, vendor Maria Elena Cruz grabs a frog from a small aquarium then kills it by beating it on the counter of her stand.

The juice is a greenish colour and Ms Cruz serves it in glasses to her customers.

The frogs are from the Telmatobius culeus species locally known as the Titicaca water frog. It is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

LIMA, PERU // It’s the juice that’s all the rage in Peru. But first, catch your frog from the shores of Lake Titicaca.

They are the main ingredient in a juice blend that some believe has the power to cure asthma, bronchitis, sluggishness and a low sex drive.

To make the mix, which is sold in the Andes and in the capital, Lima, juicemaker Maria Elena Cruz takes a frog from a small aquarium and kills it by whacking it on the counter of her juice stall. She peels off the skin and drops the little fellow into a blender with carrots, the Peruvian maca root and honey, before pouring out the greenish juice.

“Frog juice is good for anaemia, bronchitis, bones, the brain, fatigue and stress,” Ms Cruz says.

Children and adults alike come to her juice stall, especially people with anaemia, respiratory issues and tuberculosis.

The frogs are from the Telmatobius culeus species locally known as the Titicaca water frog.

It is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Cecilia Cahuana, 35, who believes in the health benefits of the frog juice, says: “It cures asthma and bronchitis, and it has vitamins and plenty of proteins.”

* Associated Press

Rodrigo Abd / AP Photo