Sources:
Enter the
Share Market®
Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Podcasts
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
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
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Cactus Pears. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Kitchen Tested |
|
Prickly Pear Jam |
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.
|
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 334 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 371 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 372 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 384 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 385 days ago, 1/06/20 
Your Dekalb Farmers Market
Deklab Farmers Market
Near Scottdale, Georgia, United States3000 Ponce de Leon Ave Decatur Georgia 30031 404-377-6400 https://www.dekalbfarmersmarket.com About 521 days ago, 8/23/19 Sharer's comments : Cactus Pears at Dekalb Farmers Market Atlanta Georgia 
Chavez Supermarket & Taqueria
Near Cherryland, California, United StatesAbout 540 days ago, 8/04/19 
Rincon Latino
Near San Pablo, California, United StatesAbout 542 days ago, 8/02/19 
Las Montanas #3 Supermarket
Las Montanas Supermarket
Near San Pablo, California, United States13901 San Pablo Ave San Pablo CA 94806 510-965-1507 www.lasmontanasnarkets.com About 542 days ago, 8/02/19 
Mi Familia market
Near Napa, California, United StatesAbout 542 days ago, 8/02/19 
Lola's Market
Lola’s Market - Petaluma Hill Rd
Near Santa Rosa, California, United States1680 Petaluma Hill Road Santa Rosa CA 95404 707-571-7579 About 552 days ago, 7/23/19 
Lola's Market #1
Lola’s Market & Restaurant
Near Santa Rosa, California, United States440 Dutton Ave #17 Santa Rosa CA 95407 707-577-8846 About 552 days ago, 7/23/19 
Cardenas
Cardenas Markets - Bellam Blvd
Near San Rafael, California, United States330 Bellam Blvd San Rafael CA 94901 415-578-3971 About 553 days ago, 7/22/19 
Evergreen Market
Evergreen Market
Near San Francisco, California, United States2539 Mission Street San Francisco CA 94110 415-641-4506 About 562 days ago, 7/13/19 
Big Square
Big Square
Near Glendale, California, United States831 N Pacific Ave Glendale CA 91203 818-230-2188 About 577 days ago, 6/28/19 
West LA International Market
West LA International Market/Arab Market
Near Culver City, California, United States10817 Venice Blvd Lis Angeles CA 90034 310-918-6273 About 577 days ago, 6/28/19 
Vallarta Supermarket
Vallarta Supermarkets - Lincoln Ave
Near Stanton, California, United States2394 Lincoln Ave. Anaheim CA 92801 714-300-0778 About 583 days ago, 6/22/19 
Northgate Gonzalez Markets
Northgate Market - Lincoln Ave
Near Anaheim, California, United States2030 E. Lincoln Ave. Anaheim CA 92806 714-507-7640 About 583 days ago, 6/22/19 
Northgate Gonzalez Markets
Northgate Market - 4th Street
Near Santa Ana, California, United States409 E. 4th Street Santa Ana CA 92701 714-647-9310 About 584 days ago, 6/21/19 
Sanwa Farmer's Market
Sanwa Farmers Market
Near Tampa, United States2621 E. Hillsborough Ave. Tampa FL 33610 813-234-8428 About 591 days ago, 6/14/19 
Mercado Mayorista de Frutas number 2
Mercado mayorista de frutas
Near La Victoria, Lima Region, PeruAvenue Arriola La Victoria About 602 days ago, 6/03/19 Sharer's comments : Fresh Red Cactus pears .. 
Pancho Villa's Farmers Market
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 671 days ago, 3/26/19 
Atlas World Fresh Market
Near Poway, California, United StatesAbout 678 days ago, 3/19/19 Sharer's comments : Red Cactus Pears spotted at Atlas World Fresh Market. 
Ralphs
Ralphs Hillcrest
Near San Diego, California, United States1020 University Ave, San Diego, Ca, 92103 619-298-2931 About 692 days ago, 3/05/19 Sharer's comments : Red Cactus Pears spotted at Ralphs. 
North Park Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 720 days ago, 2/05/19 Sharer's comments : Red Cactus Pears spotted at North Park Produce. |
