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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.
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
Mercato Trionfale
Via Andrea Doria, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Red Cactus pears are oblong fruits that mature into a deep rosy red color. Their skin is covered in tiny hair-like spines called glochids, embedded in brown spots known as areoles. Inside, the magenta flesh is juicy, packed with hard, edible seeds that can be swallowed or discarded. Their sweetness rivals watermelon, offering vibrant flavor and an aromatic profile when ripe.
Panzer's
+44 20 7722 8162
Red Cactus pears are often de-pricked mechanically but may still have tiny hair-like spines, so handling them with care is important. These fruits need to be peeled before eating, which can be done using tongs and by burning or scrubbing off any spines. Their flesh can be pureed for smoothies, jams, and sauces or served fresh with yogurt, salads, seafood, or grilled meats. Stored in the refrigerator, they remain fresh for up to 1-2 weeks.
El Rey Fresh Produce
201 E Alisal St Salinas CA 93901
+1 (831) 758-0225
Red Cactus pears, also called Prickly Pears or Tuna Fruit, grow on the edges of cactus pads and belong to the Cactaceae family. Though named "pears," they aren't related to traditional pears but resemble their shape. Known for their sweet flesh, these fruits are popular in Mexico and Central America and come in various colors: yellow, red, orange, and green. Nutritionally, they are rich in vitamin C, magnesium, fiber, calcium, potassium, zinc, and iron.
Red Cactus pears originate from Mexico and the Americas, where both their fruit and pads have been utilized since ancient times. They gained popularity in Europe through explorers and became a favorite in Sicily due to its dry terrain and warm climate. Today, Red Cactus pears are available in markets across the Southwestern United States, Mexico, the Mediterranean, Australia, Northern Africa, the Middle East, Southern Asia, and parts of the South Pacific.
Magdalena Market
Jr. Bolognesi 504, Magdalena Del Mar 15086
Red Cactus Fruit has a history of medicinal use in Mexico. The cactus pad pulp and juice were traditionally used in folk medicine to alleviate digestive issues, irritation, urinary tract infections, and aid in healing skin wounds. Modern remedies include supplements in capsule form derived from the plant, which are thought to relieve symptoms of nausea and improve digestion.
Tunas rojas!..Red Cactus pears are oblong fruits that develop from vibrant cactus flowers and mature to deep red hues. Their skin is dotted with tiny glochids—sharp, hair-like spines found in brown spots. Inside, the magenta flesh is sweet and aromatic, with a flavor similar to watermelon, though filled with hard seeds that can be swallowed or discarded.
Mercado de Frutas
Av Pablo Patron 501, La Victoria 15019, Peru
Red Cactus pears are versatile fruits that require careful handling due to their potential hair-like spines. After de-pricking and peeling, their vibrant flesh can enhance various dishes, from yogurt, salads, and salsas to desserts like pies and sorbets. They pair beautifully with flavors like lemon, lime, feta, and grilled meats. Refrigerated, they stay fresh for 1-2 weeks, offering convenience for culinary enthusiasts.
Rancho Santa Cecilia
Red Cactus pears, also called Tuna fruit or Cactus apple, grow on the flat pads of cacti and are not related to traditional pears, despite their name. They thrive in Mexico and Central America, and their sweet, vibrant flesh is versatile for use in raw or cooked dishes. These fruits are highly nutritious, offering a rich source of vitamin C, magnesium, and dietary fiber, along with valuable minerals like calcium, potassium, zinc, and iron.
Andronico's
Monterey, CA
Prickly Pear Cactus: Known for its resilience, the prickly pear cactus thrives in dry climates like Mexico, Sicily, and Australia. The fruit and pads have been used since ancient times and traveled to Europe through explorers. Its popularity in Sicily led to its widespread use. Commercial farming in the U.S. began in the 1900s by Marco Rancadore, a Sicilian immigrant in California. Today, it is globally grown and sold.
Ted's Veg
8 Stoney St, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom
Red Cactus pears have been a part of traditional Mexican folk medicine, where they were combined with cactus pad pulp and juice to address digestive issues, skin wounds, irritation, and urinary tract infections. Modern supplements derived from the plant are now available in capsule form, with claims of aiding in the reduction of nausea and improving digestion.