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Prickly Pear
Americas (Mexico, Southwestern USA)Late summer to fall (August–November)Sweet, watermelon-like, mildly floral
Did You Know?
Prickly pear juice makes a stunning natural pink lemonade — and the dye from the cochineal insect that feeds on prickly pear cacti was historically used as red food coloring.
Overview
Americas (Mexico · Late summer to fall (August–November) · fruits
Prickly pear (cactus pear, tuna) is the colorful fruit of the Opuntia cactus. Available in red, green, and yellow varieties with sweet, watermelon-like, mildly seedy flesh and magenta juice.
Americas (Mexico
Origin
Late summer to fall
Season
Easy
Difficulty
fruits
Category
Flavor Profile
Sweetwatermelon-likemildly floralslightly seedyvibrant magenta
Storage Tips
Refrigerate up to 2 weeks. Juice and freeze for longer storage.
Photo Gallery
How to Cook with Prickly Pear
Recipes, pairings, substitutes, and professional tips
Cooking Tips
Wear gloves when handling (spines). Peel, juice, make syrup, sorbet, margaritas, or jam. Strain to remove seeds.
Best Pairings
limetequilahoneymintcoconutcreamjalapeño
Substitutes
Watermelon (flavor), pomegranate (color/flavor)
Nutrition & Health Benefits
The nutritional profile and health properties of Prickly Pear
Nutrition Highlights
fat
0.5
carbs
9.6
fiber
3.6
protein
0.7
calories
41
magnesium
22% DV
vitamin_c
23% DV
Quick Facts
Categoryfruits
OriginAmericas (Mexico, Southwestern USA)
SeasonLate summer to fall (August–November)
DifficultyEasy
Health Benefits
Rich in betalains, vitamin C, magnesium, and fiber. Anti-inflammatory, blood sugar support, hangover remedy in Mexican folk medicine.
Prickly Pear Photos
5 photos showcasing Prickly Pear in its many forms
🌿
Prickly Pear
fruits
OriginAmericas (Mexico
SeasonLate summer to fall (August–November)
DifficultyEasy
Flavor Notes
Sweetwatermelon-likemildly floralslightly seedyvibrant magenta
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Pairs Well With
limetequilahoneymintcoconutcreamjalapeño
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