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Red Cactus pears are small to medium in size, averaging 5-10 centimeters in length, and are oblong in shape similar to an avocado. The fruits form from yellow, pink, red, or purple flowers that grow on nopales or cactus pads, and the thick skin of the fruit is light green when immature and transforms into a deep rosy red when mature. Red Cactus pears are also covered in rough bumps and spines known as glochids. These sharp spines are tiny, hair-like, and difficult to see and are found in the areoles or brown spots on the skin. Inside the fruit, the vibrant magenta flesh is moist with many hard, edible brown-black seeds. The seeds are too tough to chew fully and can be swallowed whole or discarded completely. When ripe, Red Cactus pears are juicy and aromatic offering a very sweet flavor reminiscent of watermelon.
Red Cactus pears are available in the early fall through spring.
Red Cactus pears, botanically classified as a part of the genus Opuntia, are the annual edible fruits that grow on the edges of the flat pads of the cactus and are members of the Cactaceae family. Also known as Cactus apple, Prickly pear, Barbary, Tuna fruit, and Indian Fig, there are many different varieties of cactus pears that can range in color from yellow, red, orange, to green. Despite its name, Red Cactus pears are not members of the pear family and were given this name in reference to their similarity in shape. Red Cactus pears grow wild all over Mexico and Central America and are commonly cultivated in home gardens to large plantations. They are favored for their sweet flesh and can be incorporated into a wide variety of culinary applications both raw and cooked.
Red Cactus pears are an excellent source of vitamin c, magnesium, and dietary fiber. They also contain calcium, potassium, zinc, and iron.
Most commercially sold Red Cactus pears have been mechanically de-pricked but some hair-like spines may remain, so care must be taken when handling the fruits. Red Cactus pears must be peeled before serving. The fruit can be held with tongs, and the spines can be burned off or scrubbed, and then the fruit can be sliced open, and the skin gently peeled away. Red Cactus flesh can be sliced and served atop yogurt, salads, in salsas, cereal, crackers, and cream cheese. The flesh is also commonly pressed through a fine mesh sieve to make a puree which can be used to make smoothies, sauces, dressings, marmalades, and jam. Pureed fruit can be frozen for later use in pies, cakes, sorbets, and chilled beverages. Red Cactus fruit pairs well with lemon, lime, salmon, barbeque chicken, grilled pork chops, feta, cilantro, dill, and cucumbers. They will keep 1-2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
In Mexico, Red Cactus pears were used with the cactus pad pulp and juice in traditional folk medicine to help reduce symptoms of digestive issues, irritation, urinary tract infections, and skin wounds. Today supplements made from the plant are also available in capsule form as an updated remedy and are believed to help reduce symptoms of nausea and digestion.
Native to Mexico and the Americas, both the pears and pads of the prickly pear cactus have been used since ancient times and eventually made their way to Europe via explorers and expeditions. Spreading throughout the Mediterranean, the fruit became extremely popular in Sicily where it thrived in the dry terrain and warm climate. The fruit also thrived in the climate of Australia, and some consider the plant to be a prolific weed. Commercial farming of the cactus pear in the United States began in the early 1900’s by a Sicilian immigrant in California by the name of Marco Rancadore. Today Red Cactus pears can be found at local farmers markets and specialty grocers in the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Northern Africa, Middle East, the Mediterranean, Australia, Southern Asia, and select regions of the South Pacific
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Recipes that include Red Cactus Pears. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Red Cactus Pears using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Pears | Listen |
| Food Fable: Pears | Listen |
Description/Taste
Red Cactus pears are small to medium in size, averaging 5-10 centimeters in length, and are oblong in shape similar to an avocado. The fruits form from yellow, pink, red, or purple flowers that grow on nopales or cactus pads, and the thick skin of the fruit is light green when immature and transforms into a deep rosy red when mature. Red Cactus pears are also covered in rough bumps and spines known as glochids. These sharp spines are tiny, hair-like, and difficult to see and are found in the areoles or brown spots on the skin. Inside the fruit, the vibrant magenta flesh is moist with many hard, edible brown-black seeds. The seeds are too tough to chew fully and can be swallowed whole or discarded completely. When ripe, Red Cactus pears are juicy and aromatic offering a very sweet flavor reminiscent of watermelon.
Seasons/Availability
Red Cactus pears are available in the early fall through spring.
Current Facts
Red Cactus pears, botanically classified as a part of the genus Opuntia, are the annual edible fruits that grow on the edges of the flat pads of the cactus and are members of the Cactaceae family. Also known as Cactus apple, Prickly pear, Barbary, Tuna fruit, and Indian Fig, there are many different varieties of cactus pears that can range in color from yellow, red, orange, to green. Despite its name, Red Cactus pears are not members of the pear family and were given this name in reference to their similarity in shape. Red Cactus pears grow wild all over Mexico and Central America and are commonly cultivated in home gardens to large plantations. They are favored for their sweet flesh and can be incorporated into a wide variety of culinary applications both raw and cooked.
Nutritional Value
Red Cactus pears are an excellent source of vitamin c, magnesium, and dietary fiber. They also contain calcium, potassium, zinc, and iron.
Applications
Most commercially sold Red Cactus pears have been mechanically de-pricked but some hair-like spines may remain, so care must be taken when handling the fruits. Red Cactus pears must be peeled before serving. The fruit can be held with tongs, and the spines can be burned off or scrubbed, and then the fruit can be sliced open, and the skin gently peeled away. Red Cactus flesh can be sliced and served atop yogurt, salads, in salsas, cereal, crackers, and cream cheese. The flesh is also commonly pressed through a fine mesh sieve to make a puree which can be used to make smoothies, sauces, dressings, marmalades, and jam. Pureed fruit can be frozen for later use in pies, cakes, sorbets, and chilled beverages. Red Cactus fruit pairs well with lemon, lime, salmon, barbeque chicken, grilled pork chops, feta, cilantro, dill, and cucumbers. They will keep 1-2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Mexico, Red Cactus pears were used with the cactus pad pulp and juice in traditional folk medicine to help reduce symptoms of digestive issues, irritation, urinary tract infections, and skin wounds. Today supplements made from the plant are also available in capsule form as an updated remedy and are believed to help reduce symptoms of nausea and digestion.
Geography/History
Native to Mexico and the Americas, both the pears and pads of the prickly pear cactus have been used since ancient times and eventually made their way to Europe via explorers and expeditions. Spreading throughout the Mediterranean, the fruit became extremely popular in Sicily where it thrived in the dry terrain and warm climate. The fruit also thrived in the climate of Australia, and some consider the plant to be a prolific weed. Commercial farming of the cactus pear in the United States began in the early 1900’s by a Sicilian immigrant in California by the name of Marco Rancadore. Today Red Cactus pears can be found at local farmers markets and specialty grocers in the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Northern Africa, Middle East, the Mediterranean, Australia, Southern Asia, and select regions of the South Pacific
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Paradise Point Resort Barefoot | San Diego CA | 858-490-6363 |
| Barleymash | San Diego CA | 619-276-6700 x304 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Cactus Pears. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| My Kitchen Snippets |
|
Prickly Pear Chiffon Cake |
| Kitchen Tested |
|
Prickly Pear Jam |
| Foodista |
|
Prickly Pear Cactus Syrup |
| Will Cook for Friends |
|
Prickly Pear Margaritas |
Recently Shared
People have shared Red Cactus Pears using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Giant Artichoke Fruits & Veg
Near Castroville, California, United StatesAbout 95 days ago, 7/21/21 
Country Farms Market
Near Mountlake Terrace, Washington, United StatesAbout 163 days ago, 5/14/21 Sharer's comments : This is a refreshing snack with mild flavor hints of pear and pineapple. Yum! 
Andronico's
Andronico's Community Market - Lighthouse Ave
Near Pacific Grove, California, United States900 Lighthouse Ave Monterey CA 93940 831-718-2405 https://www.andronicos.com About 606 days ago, 2/26/20 
Summer's
Summer's Fruit Barn
Near Phoenix, Arizona, United States2760 E Baseline Road Phoenix AZ 85042 602-243-1408 About 643 days ago, 1/20/20 Sharer's comments : Foraged . 
Superstition Ranch Market
Superstition Ranch Farmers Market
Near Granite Reef Vista, Arizona, United States7 N 114 Street Apache Junction AZ 85120 480-984-3568 https://www.superstitionranchmarket.com About 644 days ago, 1/19/20 
Baiz Market Place
Baiz Market - 20th Street
Near Phoenix, Arizona, United States523 N 20th Street Phoenix AZ 85006 602-252-8996 About 656 days ago, 1/07/20 
Baiz Markets
Baiz Market - 27th Ave
Near Glendale, Arizona, United States8030 N 27th Ave Phoenix AZ 85051 602-603-1049 About 657 days ago, 1/06/20 |
