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Red 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 cactus pads, and the thick skin of the fruit is light green when immature and transforms into a deep rosy red when mature. Red Cactus pears are also 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 or brown spots on the skin. Inside the fruit, the vibrant magenta 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, Red Cactus pears are juicy and aromatic offering a very sweet flavor reminiscent of watermelon.
Red Cactus pears are available in the early fall through spring.
Red 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 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, Red Cactus pears are not members of the pear family and were given this name in reference to their similarity in shape. Red 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.
Red Cactus pears are an excellent source of vitamin c, magnesium, and dietary fiber. They also contain calcium, potassium, zinc, and iron.
Most commercially sold Red Cactus pears have been mechanically de-pricked but some hair-like spines may remain, so care must be taken when handling the fruits. Red Cactus pears must be peeled before serving. The fruit can be held with tongs, and the spines can be burned off or scrubbed, and then the fruit can be sliced open, and the skin gently peeled away. Red Cactus flesh can be sliced and served atop yogurt, salads, in salsas, cereal, crackers, and cream cheese. The flesh is also commonly pressed through a fine mesh sieve to make a puree which can be used to make smoothies, sauces, dressings, marmalades, and jam. Pureed fruit can be frozen for later use in pies, cakes, sorbets, and chilled beverages. Red Cactus fruit pairs well with lemon, lime, salmon, barbeque chicken, grilled pork chops, feta, cilantro, dill, and cucumbers. They will keep 1-2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
In Mexico, Red Cactus pears were used with the cactus pad pulp and juice in traditional folk medicine to help reduce symptoms of digestive issues, irritation, urinary tract infections, and skin wounds. Today supplements made from the plant are also available in capsule form as an updated remedy and are believed to help reduce symptoms of nausea and digestion.
Native to Mexico and the Americas, both the pears and pads of the prickly pear cactus have 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. The fruit also thrived in the climate of Australia, and some consider the plant to be a prolific weed. 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 Red 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
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
Recipes that include Red Cactus Pears. One
is easiest,
three is harder.
People have shared Red Cactus Pears using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Pears | Listen |
| Food Fable: Pears | Listen |
Description/Taste
Red 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 cactus pads, and the thick skin of the fruit is light green when immature and transforms into a deep rosy red when mature. Red Cactus pears are also 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 or brown spots on the skin. Inside the fruit, the vibrant magenta 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, Red Cactus pears are juicy and aromatic offering a very sweet flavor reminiscent of watermelon.
Seasons/Availability
Red Cactus pears are available in the early fall through spring.
Current Facts
Red 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 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, Red Cactus pears are not members of the pear family and were given this name in reference to their similarity in shape. Red 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
Red Cactus pears are an excellent source of vitamin c, magnesium, and dietary fiber. They also contain calcium, potassium, zinc, and iron.
Applications
Most commercially sold Red Cactus pears have been mechanically de-pricked but some hair-like spines may remain, so care must be taken when handling the fruits. Red Cactus pears must be peeled before serving. The fruit can be held with tongs, and the spines can be burned off or scrubbed, and then the fruit can be sliced open, and the skin gently peeled away. Red Cactus flesh can be sliced and served atop yogurt, salads, in salsas, cereal, crackers, and cream cheese. The flesh is also commonly pressed through a fine mesh sieve to make a puree which can be used to make smoothies, sauces, dressings, marmalades, and jam. Pureed fruit can be frozen for later use in pies, cakes, sorbets, and chilled beverages. Red Cactus fruit pairs well with lemon, lime, salmon, barbeque chicken, grilled pork chops, feta, cilantro, dill, and cucumbers. They will keep 1-2 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Mexico, Red Cactus pears were used with the cactus pad pulp and juice in traditional folk medicine to help reduce symptoms of digestive issues, irritation, urinary tract infections, and skin wounds. Today supplements made from the plant are also available in capsule form as an updated remedy and are believed to help reduce symptoms of nausea and digestion.
Geography/History
Native to Mexico and the Americas, both the pears and pads of the prickly pear cactus have 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. The fruit also thrived in the climate of Australia, and some consider the plant to be a prolific weed. 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 Red 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
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Jake's Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-755-2002 |
| Small Bar (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-795-7998 |
| Saska's Steak & Seafood | San Diego CA | 858-488-7311 |
| 10 Barrel Brewing | San Diego CA | 619-886-2743 |
| Small Bar | San Diego CA | 619-795-7998 |
| Jeune Et Jolie | Carlsbad CA | 858-231-0862 |
| Bean Bar | San Diego CA | 503-704-6573 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Park & Rec | San Diego CA | 619-295-3173 |
| Polite Provisions | San Diego CA | 619-677-3784 |
| Kettner Exchange Bar | San Diego CA | 312-415-5455 |
| Brigantine Imperial Beach | Imperial Beach CA | 619-591-1350 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Red Cactus Pears. One
is easiest,
three is harder.| Will Cook for Friends |
|
Prickly Pear Margaritas |
| Daily Dish Recipes |
|
Prickly Pear Gum Drops |
Recently Shared
People have shared Red 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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Evergreen Market
Evergreen Market
Near San Francisco, California, United States2539 Mission Street San Francisco CA 94110 415-641-4506 About 9 days ago, 7/13/19 
Big Square
Big Square
Near Glendale, California, United States831 N Pacific Ave Glendale CA 91203 818-230-2188 About 24 days ago, 6/28/19 
West LA International Market
West LA International Market/Arab Market
Near Culver City, California, United States10817 Venice Blvd Lis Angeles CA 90034 310-918-6273 About 24 days ago, 6/28/19 
Vallarta Supermarket
Vallarta Supermarkets - Lincoln Ave
Near Stanton, California, United States2394 Lincoln Ave. Anaheim CA 92801 714-300-0778 About 30 days ago, 6/22/19 
Northgate Gonzalez Markets
Northgate Market - Lincoln Ave
Near Anaheim, California, United States2030 E. Lincoln Ave. Anaheim CA 92806 714-507-7640 About 30 days ago, 6/22/19 
Northgate Gonzalez Markets
Northgate Market - 4th Street
Near Santa Ana, California, United States409 E. 4th Street Santa Ana CA 92701 714-647-9310 About 31 days ago, 6/21/19 
Sanwa Farmer's Market
Sanwa Farmers Market
Near Tampa, United States2621 E. Hillsborough Ave. Tampa FL 33610 813-234-8428 About 38 days ago, 6/14/19 
Mercado Mayorista de Frutas number 2
Mercado mayorista de frutas
Near La Victoria, Lima Region, PeruAvenue Arriola La Victoria About 49 days ago, 6/03/19 Sharer's comments : Fresh Red Cactus pears .. 
Pancho Villa's Farmers Market
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 118 days ago, 3/26/19 
Atlas World Fresh Market
Near Poway, California, United StatesAbout 125 days ago, 3/19/19 Sharer's comments : Red Cactus Pears spotted at Atlas World Fresh Market. 
Ralphs
Ralphs Hillcrest
Near San Diego, California, United States1020 University Ave, San Diego, Ca, 92103 619-298-2931 About 139 days ago, 3/05/19 Sharer's comments : Red Cactus Pears spotted at Ralphs. 
North Park Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 167 days ago, 2/05/19 Sharer's comments : Red Cactus Pears spotted at North Park Produce. 
Leucadia Farmers Market
carranza farms
Near Encinitas, California, United States13056 mirar de valle, valley center 92082 760-749-6791 About 218 days ago, 12/16/18 Sharer's comments : Red Cactus Pears spotted at Leucadia Farmers Market . Cash Wise Owatonna Mn Near Owatonna, Minnesota, United States About 259 days ago, 11/04/18 Clemons Produce Near Orlando, United States About 277 days ago, 10/18/18 Sharer's comments : Red Cactus Pears spotted at Clemons Produce. 
Brentwood Farmers' Market
Pedro's Organic Ranch
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesAbout 302 days ago, 9/23/18 Sharer's comments : Red Cactus Pears spotted at Brentwood Farmers' Market. 
Del Mar Farmers Market
Rancho Mexico Lindo
Near Del Mar, California, United States12912 Rancho Vista Court, Valley Center 92082 About 359 days ago, 7/28/18 Sharer's comments : Red Cactus Pears spotted at Del Mar Farmers Market. King Soopers in the Arapahoe Crossings Shopping Ce Near Aurora, Colorado, United States About 440 days ago, 5/08/18 Sharer's comments : I spotted Red Cactus Pears at King Soopers in the Arapahoe Crossings Shopping Center in Aurora, CO! They felt, and looked to be in good condition/ripe. I still have yet to taste and experience this fruit. Loblaws Ontario, Canada About 490 days ago, 3/19/18 
Vista Farmers Market
Near Vista, California, United StatesAbout 709 days ago, 8/12/17 Sharer's comments : Red Cactus Pears spotted at Vista Farmers Market. |
