Prickly Pear
The prickly pear comes from Latin American cacti. High in fiber and antioxidants, it has healthy digestive and anti-inflammatory effects. Its flavor can be described as something between bubble gum and watermelon. Enjoy this rather exotic fruit!
How to peel it?
Please, consider handling this fruit with care as they have tiny thorns. Gloves are recommended.
- Slice both ends with a knife and discard them.
- Make a vertical slice down the fruit.
- Slip in your finger and grab the peel from the inside.
- Peel back the thick skin wrapped around the flesh and discard it.
How to eat it?
It can be eaten grilled, boiled, or raw without the seeds.
Recipes
PRICKLY PEAR JUICE
This delicious drink provides all the nutrients!
Ingredients:
- 6 prickly pears
- Fresh lemonade (optional)
Instructions:
- Blend the fruit into a liquid.
- Place the mixture into a fine mesh sieve and push out the juice to separate the pulp and seeds.
- Serve with ice and equal parts fresh lemonade (optional).
Prickly Pear Jello
Enjoy the sweet and unique flavor of this dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of prickly pear
- 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 package of plain gelatin
- 4 cups of white sugar
Instructions:
- Place the peeled pears in a blender until liquified.
- Press the pureé through a fine mesh and discard the pulp and seeds.
- Measure 3 cups of prickly pear juice and pour into a pot, add the lemon juice and gelatin, bring to a boil, and stir constantly.
- Add sugar, return to a boil, and stir again.
- Let it cook until thick for 3 minutes and remove from the heat.
- Pour prickly pear juice into a glass mold (or jars) and close.
- Place the mold into a hot water bath (bain-marie) covered with 2 inches of water. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a boil. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, remove the lid, and allow the jello to rest for 5 minutes. Remove the mold from the bain-marie and allow it to cool in the fridge.