Cactus Fruit

Introduction

Prickly pears, often known as cactus fruits are made from the cactus pad’s blossoms. When ripe, this fruit has a deep red outer peel with sharp, projecting spines. The inside flesh is dark red in colour and is filled with many small black edible seeds. The Prickly Pear is often sweet and has a watermelon-like flavour.

Vitamin contents

High concentrations of minerals and antioxidants, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, E, and K.

History

The Prickly Pear can be found in a variety of climates and at elevations lower than 6,000 feet. The Prickly Pear Cactus grows in deserts, dry regions, forests, chaparrals, valley grasslands, and even urban environments. 

Regions

Prickly pears are native to the Americas, like the majority of cactus species. Since then, they have spread to several other parts of the world. There are many varieties of prickly pears in Mexico, particularly in the central and western parts and on the Caribbean islands.

Flavours & Texture

Cactus pear has a sweet, rather bland flavour that is comparable to a melon.

How to eat?

Make a vertical cut through the fruit’s skin, cutting into the flesh. Lift a corner of the skin where you made the vertical cut with your finger or the point of the knife, then use your fingers to peel the skin away from the fruit.

Preparation

There are numerous culinary uses for Cactus fruits. They can be used to make pickles, jellies, or vinaigrette for salads. The sweet flavour of the pears makes them a great addition to syrups, sauces like barbecue sauce, margaritas, and other beverages. Various dessert and pastry recipes, including sorbet, truffles, pastries, and more. 

Tips

We advise you to use tongs or plastic gloves while handling them as there are occasionally little spines that are hard to see with the naked eye.