Have You Ever Eaten a Cactus Fruit?
Prickly pear is one of those fruits that can make you stop and wonder, “What is that?”
Also known as red cactus fruit, prickly pear grows on certain types of cactus and produces beautiful, brightly colored fruit. The outside may not look like a typical piece of fruit, but inside is juicy, naturally sweet flesh with a gorgeous red color.
In this video, we show you how to cut open and eat a ripe red prickly pear.
What Does Red Prickly Pear Taste Like?
A ripe red prickly pear is juicy and naturally sweet. The flavor can vary depending on the variety and ripeness, but it is often described as mild, fruity and refreshing with notes of watermelon berries and melon.
The flesh contains many small seeds. The seeds are edible, although they are quite hard, so many people simply swallow them rather than chewing them.
How Do You Eat a Prickly Pear?
The most important part of preparing prickly pear is making sure the fruit has been properly cleaned and handled before you begin.
Prickly pear can have tiny hair-like spines called glochids on the skin. These can be difficult to see and can irritate your skin, so the fruit should be handled carefully.
Once the fruit has been properly prepared, cut off the ends and make a shallow cut through the skin.
Peel the skin away from the colorful flesh inside.
The flesh can then be sliced or eaten directly.
The tiny seeds remain throughout the fruit and can be swallowed along with the flesh.
Why Is Prickly Pear So Colorful?
One of the most fascinating things about red prickly pear is its incredible color.
The red and purple colors come largely from naturally occurring plant pigments called betalains. These compounds also have antioxidant properties.
The color can make prickly pear a beautiful addition to fruit plates, drinks, smoothies and other recipes.
Is Prickly Pear Nutritious?
Prickly pear provides a variety of nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamin C and magnesium.
Its naturally occurring plant compounds, including betalains, also contribute antioxidant activity.
Fiber is important for normal digestive health, while vitamin C supports normal immune function and helps the body produce collagen.
As with any fruit, prickly pear is best viewed as one nutritious part of a varied, balanced diet rather than as a cure or treatment for a health condition.
A Beautiful Fruit Worth Trying
Prickly pear is a perfect example of why tropical and unusual fruits are so much fun to explore.
The outside may make you wonder what you’re looking at, but inside is a beautiful, naturally sweet fruit with a color you don’t see in many other foods.
If you’ve never tried red cactus fruit, we hope this video gives you the confidence to give it a try.
Watch the video above to see exactly how we prepare and eat prickly pear, and continue exploring our Tropical Fruit How-To series to learn how to enjoy more unique fruits.
Visit Jessie’s Tropical Fruit Farm in Naples, Florida, to discover what’s growing and what’s available from our farm.
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