Prickly Pear Palaces

More about Prickly Pear Palaces

Named for its pear-like shape and size, the cactus pear comes from one of several varieties of opuntia cactus. Its prickly skin can range in color from green to purplish red; its soft, porous flesh (scattered with black seeds) from light yellow-green to deep pink. Also called prickly pear, this fruit has a melonlike aroma and a sweet but rather bland flavor. The fruits grow on the edges large, flat, green paddles called nopales in Spanish. The cactus fruit itself is called tuna in Spanish. The cactus paddles are also edible, and can be grilled, sauteed or pickled. Both are extremely popular in Mexico, Central and South America, the Mediterranean countries and Southern Africa, and have gained popularity in the United States.