Publisher's Synopsis
Fruits of the prickly pear cactus (genus Opuntia) are called cactus pears or prickly pears. You may find these fruits all over the world in dry and semi-arid climates, from the Americas to Africa, the Middle East, and even Australia. The flat, pad-like stems of the prickly pear cactus are commonly adorned with glochids or spines.
Cactus pears are brightly colored (red, yellow, and green) and flavorful (sweet with a hint of acidity). Carefully remove the thick outer skin that is coated with microscopic spines or glochids before eating. The inside is delicious and has a lot of little seeds that you can eat. Cactus pears are delicious in many ways, including salads, jams, sweets, and even just juiced.
Cactus pears are prized for possible health advantages in addition to their culinary utility. In addition to being an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, there is some evidence that they may also have anti-inflammatory effects and improve general health.
Keep in mind that prickly pear cacti contain thorns and glochids, so treating them with care is necessary, even if cactus pears in general are safe to consume. The fruit should be handled with care while picking and cooking it; for example, gloves should be worn or the spines should be carefully removed.
Cactus pears are members of the Cactaceae family, specifically the genus Opuntia. Fruits grown on prickly pear cacti belong to the genus Opuntia and are known as cactus pears.
