Fruit: Prickly Pear
Prickly Pear, Opuntia stricta
First things first, be careful. Prickly pear is covered with extremely sharp needles. You should be fully present and aware when obtaining the fruit from the cacti. If you are distracted, you will get pricked by the needles.
The fruit is what we are after and even though it appears non-threatening, it too has needles. The spiky needles on the leaf are obvious and easy to avoid if you pay attention. The needles on the fruit are a completely different matter. They are tiny and stick to everything, including tongues, skin, fabric, gloves, bags, etc. It will feel like a tiny splinter if a needle sticks to your mouth or skin, annoying you until it's pulled out. Tweezers are an easy way to remove the needles from skin but you will likely get stuck again because the needles stick to everything. Be aware that the fresh fruit will also stain skin, clothing, countertops, and more the color red.
You are likely wondering why bother with the fuss, and the appropriate answer is the fruit is worth it. Sweet, tangy, with a hint of salt if picked near the ocean, prickly pear fruit is simply delicious. It's full of seeds that can be spat out or swallowed like passion fruit seeds. The fruit is also on trend nowadays, so you may be able to find it in a grocery store, with the tiny splinter needles removed for your convenience.
Try It Out
Buy the fruit from a grocery store, wash, cut into pieces, and eat it.
Buy the fruit from a grocery store, squeeze it into a glass jar, and use the dye as the color red in a painting activity with children.
General Benefits
- Prevents oxidative stress
- Used by herbalists to manage Type 2 diabetes
- Reduces cholesterol
- Eases inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Wound healing properties
- Leaf and fruit are food sources
Properties
Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Protein, Soluble fibers, Neuro-protective