Opuntia ficus-indica, the Indian fig opuntia, fig opuntia, or prickly pear, is a species of cactus that has long been a domesticated crop plant grown in agricultural economies throughout arid and semiarid parts of the world. O.
| Opuntia ficus-indica | |
|---|---|
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Opuntia |
| Species: | O. ficus-indica |
| Binomial name |
What kind of fruit is a prickly pear?
What Is Prickly Pear Fruit? Known to few, the fruit of the nopales cactus (cacti with beaver tail-like paddles), are actually quite edible. Called prickly pears, these neon fruits provide delicious juice that tastes like a cross between all-natural bubble gum (if indeed there is such a thing) and watermelon.
Is prickly pear the same as Indian fig?
A spineless variety of prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) which originated in Mexico, is now widely used world-wide to provide food for livestock and humans. This cactus goes by various names which include Indian fig and Barbary fig.
What family is prickly pear in?
Prickly pearFamilyEastern prickly pear is in the Cactaceae (Cactus) family. This family contains about 1,800 species all but possibly one or two native to the New World. The prickly pears are considered an old group within the cactus family with about 150 species in Opuntia.
What is another name for a prickly pear?
Other names for prickly pear include Indian fig, mission cactus, Barbary fig and cactus pear. In Spanish, you’ll see the cactus paddles (i.e., leaves) referred to as nopales, and the fruits as tunas.
Can you eat prickly pear raw?
The cactus fruit, sometimes called a “Prickly Pears” are very sweet and can be eaten raw, right off of the plant. Depending on the level of ripeness, they can range from slightly sweet to syrupy sweet.
What is prickly pear good for?
Prickly pear cactus — or also known as nopal, opuntia and other names — is promoted for treating diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and hangovers. It’s also touted for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
What is an Indian fig tree called?
Opuntia ficus-indica
Indian fig (Opuntia ficus-indica)
What are Indian figs?
Definition of Indian fig
1 : banyan. 2 [Indian entry 2 2] a : any of several plants of the genus Opuntia: such as. (1) : a tropical American prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) (2) : an eastern North American prickly pear (Opuntia compressa)
Why is prickly pear fruit called tuna?
Prickly pear gets its name from numerous sharp spines borne on the stems, and the seasonal fruits known as pears or tunas. The long, sharp spines (the prickly part of the name) are actually modified leaves that harden as they age.
Can you be allergic to prickly pear?
No. Allergies to prickly pear are rare, although allergy to cactus fruit has been reported. Prickly pears are often prepared for sale by removing their spines, but if you find the fruit with the spines still intact, be aware that contact with the spines is commonly associated with the development of a rash.
Is prickly pear poisonous?
The most poisonous cacti include the Prickly pear, Peyote, San Pedro cactus, Echinopsis Peruviana, Saguaro cactus, Barrel cactus, Euphorbia canariensis and the Cholla cactus.
What part of prickly pear is edible?
There are two edible parts of the prickly pear plant: the pad, or nopal, of the cactus which is often treated as a vegetable, and the pear, or fruit.
What is prickly pear called in Mexico?
Opuntia
Opuntia, often called prickly pear, or cactus pear as it is now usually known in commerce, is a plant typical of the Mexican landscape, and a major symbol of identity for the Mexican people.
What flavor is prickly pear?
Ripe prickly pears have a soft, juicy interior that’s bursting with sweet flavor and little edible seeds. Its flavor is often compared to that of a melon or a kiwi, sometimes with a hint of bubblegum.
Are all prickly pear fruits edible?
All prickly pear varieties are edible, saguaro cactus fruit is edible (though not easy to come by), organ pipe cactus and barrel cactus fruit is edible, as is dragon fruit, which grows on a cactus. There are several other types of cactus which are eaten throughout the world, but these are some of the most common.
How many prickly pears can I eat a day?
Eat no more than 2 in one session per day. Drink plenty of water (2 litres a day) whether you are eating prickly pears or not. NB People who suffer from colitis, Çrohn’s disease or diverticulitis should avoid prickly pears due to the small edible seeds they contain.
Can dogs eat prickly pear?
No, prickly pears should not be fed to dogs. They are highly poisonous to dogs; ingestion of this cactus fruit can induce toxicity even in small amounts. Prickly pear also has hairlike splinters, which add to their danger. These can pierce and irritate a dog’s skin.
Do prickly pears ripen after being picked?
Prickly pears aren’t known to ripen much after picking. That’s why it is best to wait and harvest them only when they are clearly ripe. A fully ripe prickly pear will lose its prickles, so the ripe ones are fairly easy to spot.
Which is the healthiest fruit in the world?
Top 10 healthiest fruits
- 1 Apple. A low-calorie snack, high in both soluble and insoluble fiber.
- 2 Avocado. The most nutritious fruit in the world.
- 3 Banana.
- 4 Citrus fruits.
- 5 Coconut.
- 6 Grapes.
- 7 Papaya.
- 8 Pineapple.
Can you eat prickly pear skin?
It is time to remove the skin. Although the skin is edible, I always remove it to be safe, that is a sure way of not eating any spines. Cut the tops and bottom of the prickly pear off.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.