How to Eat Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit: Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Exploring unique fruits while traveling is one of our greatest joys—we first discovered mangosteens in Southeast Asia. Back home, we're thrilled to find them occasionally at markets, reliving those adventures.
Recently, we tried prickly pears for the first time. Assuming it was straightforward, we sliced one open, only to be met with vibrant red juices that threatened to stain everything. A spoonful from the center revealed sweet, mildly tangy flavor—but it was packed with hard seeds that were tough to chew, leaving little else to enjoy.
YouTube came to the rescue! It turned out we were eating it wrong. After watching a helpful tutorial, here's the proper method to savor prickly pear, the fruit of the Opuntia cactus.
First, protect your hands: these fruits are covered in tiny spines. Use a knife to gently scrape the exterior, then rinse thoroughly under running water.
Next, slice off the ends and make a lengthwise cut to peel back the skin like a banana. Scoop out the flesh, which is dotted with small, edible seeds. You can swallow the seeds whole or strain them out to enjoy just the juicy, sweet pulp between the skin and seeds.
With ripe prickly pears, you'll love their refreshing watermelon-like taste with a hint of cucumber. Delicious and nutritious!
Have you tried prickly pear? Share your experience below!
