Veggie & Fruit Guide
Veggie & Fruit- Please select from abc list
Prickly Pear
Named for its pear-like shape and size, cactus pears (also called prickly
pears) come from any of several varieties of cactus. Its prickly skin can
range in colour from green to purplish-red, while its white, pink, yellow,
orange or red flesh encloses edible black seeds. They have a melon-like
aroma and the flesh has a sweet but rather bland flavour.
The
versatile cactus pear is not only a source of food, but it can also be used
to provide security by forming an impermeable fence, to prevent soil erosion
due to its shallow root system, to produce by-products e.g. soap and the
young pads of the plant can be used as a green vegetable.
They were first introduced to South Africa more than 300 years ago and
were used as fences to protect crops against wild animals. The spineless
varieties cultivated today were introduced into South Africa in 1974, mainly
as a drought-tolerant crop for the arid Karoo regions. The excellent
characteristics of this fruit then led to the cultivation of a number of
varieties for fresh fruit production.
Seasonal Availability
Cactus pears are available from December to May.
Serving Size
One medium cactus pear provides one serving of
fruit.
