If you have wondered what to make with prickly pears, you will love these fun tips and recipe ideas! I will walk you through everything you need to know about these exotic cactus fruits and how to enjoy their flavor!
I have a special treat for you today! I am in love with prickly pears and will show you some of the best prickly pear recipes you can make with them!
Prickly pears have many names, including cactus fruit, cactus pears, Opuntia, cactus fig, and even Mexican tuna fruit. (How silly is that name?) They can be found throughout Mexico and some of the southern states.
Prickly pears come in several colors, ranging from red to hot pink, orange, and green. You can use any color of prickly pear in the recipes I share. I love using vibrant red and purple cactus pear fruit juice to make syrup.
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How to eat a prickly pear:
There are lots of ways to eat a prickly pear. You can make a jam, prickly pear chutney, or cactus pear jelly. I love using juice to make syrup for cocktails! Sauces for roasted meats flavored with prickly pear add so much flavor.
Prickly pears taste like a cross between watermelon, strawberries, and raspberries. They have an earthy flavor and are great for sweet and savory recipes! My favorite way to enjoy them is in my Prickly Pear Margarita recipe!
How to remove prickly pear spines:
Lucky for us, most prickly pears are sold with the spines removed. If you end up with a spiny cactus pear, you can safely remove the thorns with these steps:
- Wear thick gloves
- Use tweezers or plyers to carefully pull the spines out of the prickly pear.
How to Eat Cactus Fruit (Prickly Pear) | Taste Test
FAQ
Can you eat green prickly pear?
Is prickly pear safe to eat raw?
Which prickly pears are not edible?
Do prickly pears ripen after being picked?
Can you eat unripe pears?
There are no immediate health threats from eating unripe pears. However, you must keep in mind that unripe pears are usually crunchier and, if consumed in large quantities, your stomach can have a hard time digesting them. This is not a side effect of unripe pears, but rather of eating too much crunchy food, it doesn’t have to be pears necessarily.
Can I eat pears if I have diabetes?
Pears are a type of fruit that is low in sugar and high in fiber. For this reason, pears are generally considered to be safe for people with diabetes. However, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s blood sugar levels react differently to different foods. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or dietitian about which fruits are best for you. They can help you create a healthy eating plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
Can you eat a prickly pear rind?
You can eat the fruit inside of the cactus pear rind. You do not want to eat the peel or spines. Lucky for us, most prickly pears are sold with the spines removed. If you end up with a spiny cactus pear, you can safely remove the thorns with these steps: Use tweezers or plyers to carefully pull the spines out of the prickly pear.
Can you eat the skin of a prickly pear?
Yes, you can eat the skin of a prickly pear! The skin is actually quite thin and delicate, so it’s easy to peel off. Once peeled, the skin can be eaten raw or cooked. It’s slightly sweet and has a subtle floral flavor. The skin of the prickly pear is also rich in nutrients. It’s a good source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and carotenoids.