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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.
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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.
Green Cactus pears are available in the early fall through spring.
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.
Green Cactus pears are high in both magnesium and vitamin C and are also a good source of fiber.
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.
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.
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.
Recipes that include Green Cactus Pears. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Green Cactus Pears using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Pears | Listen |
| Food Fable: Pears | Listen |
Description/Taste
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.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Green Cactus Pears. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Green 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.
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Pam
ItalyAbout 70 days ago, 9/10/19 Sharer's comments : A nice refreshing, light snack in the summertime! 
Buford Highway Farmers Market
Buford HWY Farmers Market
Near Doraville, Georgia, United States5600 Buford HWY NE Doraville GA 30340 770-455-0770 About 87 days ago, 8/24/19 Sharer's comments : Cactus Pears at Buford Farmers Market 
Οργανισμός Κεντρικών Αγορών & Αλιείας ΑΕ
Lalas S.A
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens M 18-20 002104826243 About 91 days ago, 8/20/19 Sharer's comments : Cactus pears 🌵 
Chavez Supermarket & Taqueria
Near Cherryland, California, United StatesAbout 107 days ago, 8/04/19 
San Mateo Produce Market
Near San Mateo, California, United StatesAbout 110 days ago, 8/01/19 
Cardenas
Cardenas Markets - Bellam Blvd
Near San Rafael, California, United States330 Bellam Blvd San Rafael CA 94901 415-578-3971 About 120 days ago, 7/22/19 
El Castillo
El Castillo Carniceria/Food Market
Near Pacoima, California, United States11924 Footjill Blvd Sylmar CA 91342 818-834-3350 About 143 days ago, 6/29/19 
Good Food Market
Good Food Market
Near Pasadena, California, United States1864 E Washington Blvd #106 Pasadena CA 91104 626-204-0171 About 144 days ago, 6/28/19 
Pavilions
Pavilions - Balboa Blvd
Near Newport Beach, California, United States3100 W. Balboa Blvd. Newport Beach CA 92663 949-675-2395 About 149 days ago, 6/23/19 
Altayebat Market
Altayebat Market Inc, - Brookhurst
Near Stanton, California, United States1217 S Brookhurst Street Anaheim CA 92804 714-520-4723 About 150 days ago, 6/22/19 
North Park Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 287 days ago, 2/05/19 Sharer's comments : Green Cactus Pears spotted at North Park Produce. 
Wong
Wong Market
Near Santiago de Surco, Cuzco, PeruAbout 316 days ago, 1/07/19 Sharer's comments : Cactus pests are Popular pear in Peru.. 
Clemons Produce
Clemons Produce
Near Orlando, United States3325 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806 About 397 days ago, 10/18/18 Sharer's comments : Green Cactus Pears spotted at Clemons Produce. 
Del Mar Farmers Market
Rancho Mexico Lindo
Near Del Mar, California, United States12912 Rancho Vista Court, Valley Center 92082 About 416 days ago, 9/29/18 Sharer's comments : Green Cactus Pears spotted at Del Mar Farmers Market. |
