Cactus (Prickly) Pear Selection Information | Nutritional Information | Tips & Trivia
Scientific Binomial Name: Opuntia spp.
Eaten fresh, juices, marmalades, jelly, ice cream & dessert sauces.
Also known as Cactus Pear, Tuna Fruit, Indian Figs and Mission Cactus, good-quality Prickly Pear is egg-shaped and has yellow to magenta coloring depending on the variety.
Avoid product that is overly soft or that has dark soft spots.
Ripen cactus pears at room temperature and then refrigerate until ready for use.
Ripen prickly pears at room temperature.
Prickly Pears are low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol and Sodium. They're also a good source of Calcium and Potassium, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C and Magnesium.
The small seeds are edible, but the rind is not. Be careful of spines that were not removed.
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Broccoli is available year-round from California, and available from Washington from June through October.
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