How To Eat Cactus Fruit Prickly Pear And What Does It Taste Like

Before we explore the content, let's take a moment to learn about the prickly pear, which people also love to call opuntia, nopal, or cactus pear. It belongs to the cactus family and is normally found in arid regions of the Americas, Mediterranean countries, and certain parts of Africa. This fruit features flat pads known as "nopales," and it produces vibrant fruits called "tunas." These fruits are generally oval-shaped and can range in color from green, yellow, orange, red, or deep purple skin. Every cactus has small, hair-like spines known as glochids that may be annoying to deal with, but the sweet flesh inside makes it worthwhile.

Prickly pears have been consumed by indigenous people of Mexico and beyond, for several millennia. Native Americans and Mexicans believed this fruit and the whole cactus as a valuable source of food and medicine. Today, these fruits are cultivated worldwide, from the arid landscapes of Arizona to the Mediterranean regions of Spain and Italy.

Alternatively, the taste of the prickly pear is as exotic as the outside of it. The flavor can be literally described as semi-sweet with the aroma of taste being akin to that of watermelon, kiwi, or bubble gum. The fruit itself has a gently sweet flavor and the texture is both succulent and a little grainy due to the seeds. Some varieties have a sour taste, while others are purely sweet. Nevertheless, some individuals may find the flavor somewhat bland if consumed without any added ingredients.

The seeds within are edible but hard, so you can either chew or spit them based on your preferences. Here are some common taste profiles:

• Raw: What is even more interesting is when consumed fresh, well it has a rather neutral taste, it is slightly sweet but not overwhelming, and has a cooling effect on the intestines.
• Cooked: If you are thinking of how it tastes when cooked or processed into jams or jellies, go ahead because after cooking or processing it enhances the sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
• Juiced: The juice extracted from prickly pears can be tangy and refreshing, often used in cocktails or beverages.

Everyone knows they should choose the ripe fruit to fully enjoy them, however, it's somehow confusing to pick the correct prickly pear. And below we have tried to thin your confusion, hence, keep reading to find out the answer to how to choose a yummy cactus fruit.

Color and Ripeness

The color of a ripe prickly pear is your first clue to its readiness. Look for fruits that are:

• Deeply colored (intense purple, bright orange, or deep red)
• Sightly soft when gently pressed
• Free from blemishes or extensive bruising
• Uniform in color without green patches

Sizes and Texture

Typical prickly pears range from 2 to 4 inches long. A ripe fruit should feel heavy for its size and have a smooth, slightly glossy exterior. Avoid fruits that look wrinkled or overly soft, as these might be past their prime.

How to Handle Prickly Pear Safely?

As we mentioned earlier or as you can see in the image as well, this exotic fruit is covered in tiny spines (glochids) that can irritate your skin, therefore, it's better to be on the safe side. Here's how to handle them safely:

1. Use Gloves: One of the simplest methods to handle this fruit is wearing thick and comfortable gloves to avoid getting pricked.
2. Rinse Thoroughly: You can also wash the fruit under running water since this will help to remove loose spines.
3. Use Tongs: If you are out of gloves, use tongs to hold the fruit securely while preparing it.
4. Kitchen Towels: Another option is to hold them with a thick kitchen towel. Plus, you can gently scrub fruit with it to remove surface spines.
5. Tweezers (just in case): You can keep tweezers next to you while handling this fruit. This will help you to remove those hair-like spines, however, the process will be long.

Tip: To play it safe, you can carefully burn off the glochids using an open flame (like a blow torch or lighter). Hold the fruit with tongs and rotate it until all sides are charred slightly.

Once you've chosen a ripe prickly pear and handled it cautiously, it's time to prepare it for eating. You have to simply follow these steps:

1. Peeling

The first thing you need to do after removing its glochids is peel this exotic fruit properly, for this you have to;

• Cut off both ends of the fruit using a sharp knife
• Make a lengthwise slit through the skin
• Gently peel back the skin, you can use your fingers or a knife
• Thereafter, discard the skin completely

2. Removing Seeds

The interior contains small edible seeds that can be chewed or swallowed whole. If you prefer not to deal with seeds, you can remove them:

• Slice the peeled fruit
• Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds
• Alternatively, press the slices through a fine-mesh strainer

Ways to Enjoy Prickly Pear

Now, that you have completely prepared it, it's time to enjoy this fruit but the question is besides eating the flesh directly as is or scooping it out with a spoon, how to eat cactus fruit prickly pear? Don't fret about it! Below we have discussed several ways to enjoy this fruit.

1. Juices and Smoothies

Blend the pulp with water, then strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds (if you haven't removed them while preparing it) for a refreshing juice.

Or, if you want a refreshing smoothie, go ahead! Mix the peeled flesh with other fruits like mango or banana and after a minute your incredible smoothie is ready. The gorgeous pink color is stunning, and the taste is out of this world.

2. Cocktails and Mocktails

Don't be surprised but prickly pear juice has become a favorite ingredient in drinks. In case you want to consume this fruit in mocktails, you just mix the juice with sparking water, mint, and a few drops of lime. Or if you are into cocktails, then add its juice to tequila for a delicious margarita or add it to vodka and lime.

3. Jam and Preserves

Making prickly pear jam is unexpectedly easy. The fruits can be cooked together with a little sugar, and you will have a spread that gives your toast in the morning a different look. It has this certain taste that cannot be explained very well but is incredibly enticing.

4. Salads and Salsa

Chop the fruit into pieces and mix it into salads for a burst of color and taste. On the other hand, whip up an amazing salsa using prickly pear, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, Follow the recipe, and it'll shine at your upcoming taco night.

5. Desserts

Prickly pear is making its own space in dessert, whether it is prickly pear sorbets or stunning pink syrup over your favorite cheesecake. For instance, you can create ice cream or sorbet by simply mixing the fruit with sugar and lemon juice, then whisk it in an ice cream maker for a refreshing dessert.

6. Prickly Pear Popsicles

Another way to consume prickly pear is by tucking into a popsicle fabulous for the summer period. It is easy to prepare, simply puree peeled prickly pear, add a little honey and lime juice, pour the mixture into molds to prepare ice pop, and freeze.

7. Prickly Pear Tea

It can be infused into tea as a soothing beverage. For convenience, boil small pieces of peeled prickly pear with water alongside hibiscus or green tea. Add honey or sugar according to taste, strain, and take it as is or cold.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Never touch without protection
• Don't eat unripe fruits
• Avoid consuming large quantities initially
• Check for allergies if you have sensitive skin

While having prickly pears, you are not just enjoying their taste; they are filled with various nutritious compounds. Let's take a look at its nutritional profile.

Amount per 100 grams

Calories: 41

Total Fat: 0.5 g, saturated fat 0.1 g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 5mg

Potassium: 220mg (6% DV)

Total Carbohydrate: 10g (3% DV)

Dietary Fiber: 3.6g (14% DV)

Protein: 0.7g (1% DV)

Vitamin C: 23% Calcium (5% DV)

Iron: 1% Vitamin B6 (5% DV)

Cobalamin: 0% Magnesium (21% DV)

Health Benefits

After seeing its nutritional profile you can easily guess that this cactus fruit is honored with several health benefits, let's delve into what are they:

1. Skin and Hair

Who wouldn't love to have smooth skin and healthy shiny hair? This cactus fruit helps you achieve this wish. It is loaded with betalain pigments as well as vitamin C that can help combat inflammation and free radicals in the body. Additionally, it contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially in the seeds and peel, that are beneficial for skin and hair treatments.

2. Weight Loss

Some studies show that prickly pears promote weight loss because it has dietary fiber that softens stool and thus reduces energy intake. On the same note, other research also shows that cactus fiber can result in real fat loss in a 12-week duration. These observations are made by using fiber tablets rather than the fresh fruit, however, prickly pear fruit contains more than 3 grams of fiber per serving, low in energy and could be equally beneficial in preventing constipation.

3. Diabetes

In addition to the benefits of this fruit, it aids in managing blood sugar and lessens complications related to diabetes. The soluble fiber pectin found in prickly pears may possess properties that lower blood sugar and create positive effects on blood fat levels. Some human studies indicate that eating this fruit could reduce fasting blood sugar and post-meal insulin levels in both healthy individuals and those with type 2 diabetes.

4. Liver Health

Historically, prickly pear has been used to manage liver issues, and in fact, various modern studies also support this idea. It is acknowledged that the antioxidant substances in this fruit contribute to shielding the liver from inflammation and oxidative stress that can lead to damage.

Note: Prickly pear is passed safe but it can have some drawbacks. For instance, if you overconsume it you might experience side effects related to high fiber intake, including diarrhea, indigestion, bloating, or nausea. Additionally, its seeds have been associated with rare cases of bowel obstruction. When ingested in large amounts, they could create a non-digestible blockage that results in fecal impaction.

Prickly pear storage is relatively straightforward. Here are some tips that would really help:

• Keep it fresh: If you want to eat them within a few days, you can keep them at room temperature which should be free from direct sunlight. This will only last for about 3 to 5 days.
• Refrigerate for longer storage: To ensure they last longer you store the prickly pears in the refrigerator. They can last up to two weeks when stored this way.
• Wrap or bag them: Put them in a plastic bag or wrap them in a paper towel to minimize moisture loss and protect them from bruising.
• Freeze for long-term use: For even longer storage, feel free to freeze prickly pears. Cut off the ends, peel them, and slice the fruit. Store the pieces in an airtight container or freezer bag. They'll be good for several months!
• Inspect for spoilage: Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming. If they're mushy or have an unpleasant smell, it's best to discard them.