Fresh Fruit

OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA

The Indian fig opuntia, fig opuntia, or prickly pear, is a species of cactus that has long been a domesticated crop plant grown in agricultural economies throughout arid and semiarid parts of the world. O. ficus-indica is the most widespread and most commercially important cactus. It is grown primarily as a fruit crop, and also for the vegetable nopales and other uses. Cacti are good crops for dry areas because they efficiently convert water into biomass. O. ficus-indica, as the most widespread of the long-domesticated cactuses, is as economically important as maize and blue agave in Mexico. Opuntia species hybridize easily.

Here are a few tips for consuming prickly pear: 

• Enjoy peeled prickly pears raw as a snack
• Make a jam out of fresh or frozen prickly pears 
• Extract the juice from fresh prickly pears using a juicer or blender
• Use prickly pear juice in marinades and salad dressings
• Add prickly pear puree or juice to baked goods, like muffins and cakes
• Sprinkle chopped prickly pear over salads for a naturally sweet and unique toppingl