This website uses cookies, pixels, and other tracking technologies to personalize content, analyze how our site and apps are used, and create aggregated statistics.
We disclose data about site and app users to third parties so we can target our ads to you on other websites, and those third parties may use that data for their own purposes.
For more information on how we collect, use, and disclose this information, please review our
Privacy Policy.
Continued use of this site means you consent to our Privacy Policy.
Red Prickly pear is produced from the flowers of the cactus pad and is also known as the Cactus apple. This fruit has a deep red outer skin when ripe and has very sharp protruding spines. The inner flesh is a deep red and contains numerous tiny black seeds. The Red Prickly pear has an overall sweet flavor that is reminiscent of watermelon.
Seasons/Availability
Wild Red Prickly pear is available in the spring throughout the early fall.
Current Facts
The Red Prickly pear cactus fruit is botanically known as Opuntia basilaris. It is also known by the common names, the Indian Fig and Bevertail cactus.
Nutritional Value
The Red Prickly pear cactus offers a high amount of antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C and a variety of minerals. This fruit also offers powerful anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to successfully treat type II diabetes.
Applications
Red Prickly pear fruit can be used in a variety of culinary applications. The pear itself can be pickled, made into a jelly, or a vinaigrette for salads. The pear's sweet flavor is ideal for adding to syrups, sauces such as barbeque sauce, margaritas and other cocktails. Red Prickly pear can be added to numerous dessert and baking applications such as sorbet, truffles, pastries and more.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Since the Red Prickly pear has a wide distribution throughout the United States, there were many Native American tribes that used this plant for medicinal purposes as well as a food supply. The pads of the cactus were soaked and used for wound healing and also improved lactation in nursing mothers. Legend, states Mexico city was founded on a spot where an eagle was seen strangling a snake on top of a Red Prickly Pear cactus.
Geography/History
The Red Prickly pear is typically found at a elevation below 6,000 feet and in a variety of different climates. The Red Prickly pear cactus can be found growing in arid climates, deserts, valley grasslands, chaparrals, woodlands and even urban areas. Found mainly throughout the West and Southwest, the Native Americans used many varieties of the Red Prickly pear as a food source.
Wong Balta Supermarket
Balta Shopping, Mal. Balta 626, Miraflores 15074, Peru
Red Prickly Pear: The Red Prickly pear, also called the Cactus apple, grows from the flowers of a cactus pad. Its ripe outer skin is deep red with sharp spines, while the inner flesh is also deep red and filled with tiny black seeds. Its sweet flavor is similar to watermelon, making it a delightful addition to fruit dishes or beverages.
Mercato di Ballarò
90134 Palermo, Metropolitan City of Palermo, Italy
Red Prickly pear fruit boasts versatility in the kitchen. It can be transformed into pickles, jellies, or salad vinaigrettes. This fruit's sweet taste complements syrups, barbeque sauces, margaritas, and cocktails. Additionally, it shines in desserts and baking, enhancing sorbets, truffles, pastries, and other creations with its unique flavor.
3 Brothers
El Cajon, CA 92019
The Red Prickly pear cactus fruit, botanically known as Opuntia basilaris, is also commonly called the Indian Fig or Beavertail cactus. Packed with nutrients, it is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C, and essential minerals. This fruit is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has even been utilized in treating type II diabetes effectively.
Carranza Fruit Farm
Valley Center, CA
Red Prickly Pear: This cactus thrives below 6,000 feet elevation and adapts to diverse climates, including arid deserts, valley grasslands, chaparrals, woodlands, and urban areas. Predominantly found in the West and Southwest regions, it was historically utilized by Native Americans as a vital food source, showcasing its cultural and ecological significance across generations.
Yellow Green Farmers Market
3080
Sheridan Street Hollywood FL 33021
(954) 513-3990
Red Prickly Pear: Native American tribes widely used the Red Prickly Pear cactus for its medicinal benefits and as a food source. The cactus pads were soaked and applied to heal wounds and were believed to enhance lactation in nursing mothers. According to legend, Mexico City was founded at a location where an eagle was observed holding a snake atop a Red Prickly Pear cactus.
La Guardia Produce
Northwest 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL
Red Prickly Pear: The Red Prickly pear, also called Cactus apple, grows from the flowers of the cactus pad. Its ripe outer skin is a vivid deep red and covered in sharp spines, while the inner flesh features a similar hue with numerous tiny black seeds. The fruit offers a naturally sweet taste, often compared to the refreshing flavor of watermelon.
Catherine Windrose Farm
+18054595924
Red Prickly pear fruit offers a sweet flavor that enhances both culinary and dessert applications. It can be pickled, made into jelly, or turned into a vinaigrette for salads. Its sweetness makes it perfect for syrups, sauces like barbeque sauce, margaritas, cocktails, and baking creations such as sorbet, truffles, and pastries.
Ray Subtropical Farm
Rainbow Valley, CA
760-213-1436
The Red Prickly pear cactus, scientifically named Opuntia basilaris, is commonly referred to as Indian Fig or Beavertail cactus. Its fruit is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, plus essential minerals. Additionally, it holds significant anti-inflammatory properties and has even been utilized in managing type II diabetes effectively.
Red Prickly Pear: This cactus thrives below 6,000 feet in diverse climates, including arid deserts, valley grasslands, chaparrals, woodlands, and even urban areas. Predominantly found in the West and Southwest, the Red Prickly pear was historically an important food source for Native Americans, who utilized its many varieties for sustenance. Its adaptability makes it a remarkable and versatile plant species in these regions.
Check out our QR code Library to download QR Codes that link to our fruit encyclopedia. Use on your signage and other promotions to share the knowledge!
is easiest, three is harder.
