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Green 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 green cactus pads, and the thick skin of the fruit is light green and 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 of the skin. Inside the fruit, the yellow 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, Green Cactus pears are juicy and aromatic offering a sweet flavor with nuances of pear and watermelon.
Seasons/Availability
Green Cactus pears are available in the early fall through spring.
Current Facts
Green 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 or cactus 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, Green Cactus pears are not members of the pear family and were given this name in reference to their similarity in shape. Green 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
Green Cactus pears are high in both magnesium and vitamin C and are also a good source of fiber.
Applications
Care needs to be taken when handling Green Cactus pears. Even if purchased from a grocery store, Green Cactus pears may still have some tiny, hair-like spines attached to the surface that can cause discomfort and irritation. The fruits should be held with tongs or rubber gloves to prevent penetration of the prickly fibers into fingers. They should also be rinsed and scrubbed in cool water or burned over a fire to remove the spines. The flesh of the pear can be sliced and used fresh in fruit and green salads or as a topping for yogurt and cereal. The pears can also be pressed through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds to make a puree. Once pureed, the juice can be used as a base for sorbets, smoothies, cocktails, salad dressings, marinades, and sauces. Green Cactus pears can also be slow cooked to make preserves, jams, and jellies to serve atop muffins, pancakes, and tarts. Green Cactus pears compliment scrambled eggs, avocado, bell pepper, tomato, lemon, lime, orange, mint, chicken, beef, pork, coconut water, brown sugar, and whipped cream. They will keep up to two weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Green Cactus pears have been used in Mexico for thousands of years as a culinary treat and to help promote healing. Many locals believe that pears can help reduce inflammation, bloating, and joint and muscle pain. In addition to medicinal uses, in Oaxaca, Green Cactus pears are pureed and served on top of horchata which is a rice-almond drink.
Geography/History
Native to Mexico and the Americas, both the pears and pads of the prickly pear cactus have long 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. 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 Green 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.
Green Cactus pears are oblong fruits with a light green, bumpy, and spiny outer skin. These spines, called glochids, are tiny and difficult to see, making them a unique feature to handle with care. The moist yellow flesh contains hard brown-black seeds that are edible but tough to chew. Their sweet flavor combines hints of pear and watermelon, making them a juicy and aromatic treat when ripe.
Rancho Santa Cecilia
Green Cactus pears should be handled cautiously as they may retain tiny, hair-like spines that can cause irritation. It's recommended to wear rubber gloves or use tongs when handling them. The fruit can be scrubbed under cool water or lightly burned to remove the spines. Their flesh is versatile, ideal for use in salads, yogurt, smoothies, jams, and savory dishes with proteins like chicken or pork. Refrigeration extends their shelf life up to two weeks.
Carulla viva palmas
(305) 267-0683
En colombia son conocidos como higos…Green Cactus pears have several names, including Cactus apple and Indian Fig, and they are not related to regular pears despite their name. They grow on the edges of cactus pads and come in various colors like yellow, red, orange, and green. Widely found across Mexico and Central America, they are used in diverse culinary dishes. They are high in magnesium, vitamin C, and fiber, making them a nutritious choice.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St Suite 150 San Diego CA 92110
View on Instagram
(619) 295-3172 [email protected]
Green Cactus Pears originated in Mexico and the Americas, where they have been used since ancient times. They were introduced to Europe through explorers and became particularly popular in Sicily, thriving in the dry terrain and warm climate. Commercial farming in the U.S. began in the early 1900s, initiated by Marco Rancadore, a Sicilian immigrant in California. Today, they are cultivated in regions like the Southwestern U.S., Mexico, the Mediterranean, and parts of Asia and the South Pacific.
Green Cactus pears have a long history in Mexican culture, serving both culinary and medicinal purposes. Locals use them to combat inflammation, bloating, and joint and muscle pain. In Oaxaca, a unique tradition involves pureeing these pears to create a topping for horchata, a refreshing beverage made from rice and almonds, blending flavors and promoting wellbeing.
Raya Grocery
+442074075556
Stoney St, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom
Green Cactus pears have a thick, light green skin covered in tiny, sharp spines called glochids, which are difficult to see. When you cut open the fruit, you'll find yellow, moist flesh filled with hard brown-black seeds that are edible but often swallowed whole or discarded. These pears are juicy and aromatic when ripe, offering a sweet flavor that combines hints of pear and watermelon. The fruit itself forms from vibrant yellow, pink, red, or purple cactus flowers.
Coconut Grove Organic Farmers Market
(305) 238-7747
glaseorganicfarms.com
Green Cactus pears must be handled carefully as they may retain small, hair-like spines that can irritate skin. To prep safely, use tongs or rubber gloves and rinse them under cool water or burn off the spines. Their flesh is versatile, suited for fresh salads, yogurt toppings, or pureed for use in smoothies, sorbets, or sauces. Stored in a refrigerator, Green Cactus pears can remain fresh for up to two weeks.
Specialty Produce
1929 Hancock St
6192953172
Rancho Santa Cecilia…Green Cactus pears, also called Prickly pear or Tuna fruit, are sweet fruits from the cactus family. Despite their name, they are not related to traditional pears but were named for their shape. Found widely across Mexico and Central America, these fruits are rich in magnesium, vitamin C, and fiber. Their vibrant colors vary from green to yellow, red, or orange, and they are versatile for raw or cooked culinary uses.
Rancho Santa Cecilia
Green Cactus Pears from Rancho Santa Cecilia..Green Cactus Pears are native to Mexico and the Americas and have been used since ancient times. They were introduced to Europe through explorers and became especially popular in Sicily, thriving in dry, warm climates. Commercial farming of these pears in the U.S. began in the early 1900s, initiated by Sicilian immigrant Marco Rancadore in California. Today, they are available in regions like the Southwestern U.S., Mexico, the Mediterranean, and Australia.
Kalivis SA
Central market of Athens L-27
Green Cactus pears have been cherished in Mexico for centuries, not only as a culinary delight but also for their medicinal properties. They are believed to help reduce inflammation, bloating, and ease joint and muscle pain. In Oaxaca, their puree is traditionally served atop horchata, a refreshing rice-almond drink that complements their flavor beautifully.
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