Edible Landscapes Virtual Tour - PRICKLY PEAR

Characteristics:

The prickly pear fruits are called “tunas” and can be found in late summer. The flesh is sweet, juicy, and the flavored is said to resemble watermelon. The fruit can be eaten whole, juiced, or made into preserves, wine, or syrup. Metal tongs are commonly used to carefully pick fruits a safe distance from the cactus spines. It takes about 50 pears to make a half gallon of quality juice. The young de-spined pads are used in salads and as pickles (nopalitos).

Health Benefits:

Prickly pears contain large quantities of magnesium and potassium. These minerals help metabolize fat, carbs and protein and regulate normal heart beat.  This fruit also has calcium to support strong bones and teeth, and to prevent osteoporosis. It is a great weight management fruit because they are low in calories, and have fiber and protein to promote satiety.

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