Prickly Pears

This pear-shaped fruit is produced from a tropical cactus plant and is sometimes also known as cactus pear or Indian fig. The tough, prickly outer skin varies in colour from green to rosy; you may often find that the sharp spines have been removed during processing to make it much safer to handle.

The inside flesh is golden yellow or red, with randomly spaced black seeds. It has a melon or berry aroma with a mild, fresh taste, somewhat similar to watermelon or pear.

Once skinned and de-seeded, the flesh of the prickly pear is usually eaten raw, either sprinkled with lemon juice or with a coating of cream and sugar. It may also be added to salads, made into jams and preserves, baked in pastries or served as a dessert ingredient. The black seeds may be dried and used to make flour for baked goods.