How to Eat a Prickly Pear!

Published on

APPLE VALLEY — The prickly pear grows on the Beavertail cactus (Nopal) found in San Bernardino county and other regions of the southwestern United States. The sweet tasting fruit and medicinal benefits of the cactus pad makes the plant a good wild food resource available from early spring through summer.

It’s important to prepare the fruit and pads to make them edible. This includes removing the prickles in order to take the fruit from the plant without injury.

Steps:

1: Use a BBQ lighter to burn the prickles off the fruit and any prickles on surrounding cactus pads that may cause injury

2: Twist the soft fruit off the cactus pads.

3: Rinse the fruit with water.

4: Use a knife to open the fruit and enjoy!

The Cahuilla, Chumash, Kumeyaay and Serrano are a few of the local tribes that use cactus pads for prevention and control of diabetes. The pads are prepared in the same manner as the fruit but are boiled, grilled or sauteed prior to eating.

The fruit is often made into a juice or jam. They are said to be high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Other health benefits include weight loss, improved hair and skin, and improved liver health.

Sources:

Largo, Donna. Medicinal Plants used by Native American Tribes in Southern California. Banning. Malki-Ballena Press. 2009.

Streit, Lizzie. “Prickly Pear: Nutrition, Benefits, Recipes, and More.” https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/prickly-pear-benefits

spot_img

Latest articles

California unveils new mapping tool to track movements of wolf packs across the state

CALIFORNIA – The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced May 15, that...

Veterans and military members get free Memorial Day admission to CA State Parks

CALIFORNIA – California State Parks announced that veterans, active duty and reserve military members...

Major CA-based burger joint removing artificial dye and high fructose corn syrup from items

CALIFORNIA – In-N-Out Burger recently confirmed that it would be removing ingredients from some...

CA lawmakers agree to remove rent cap from self-storage bill

CALIFORNIA – Senator Caroline Menjivar introduced SB 709 to cap self-storage rent increases at...

More like this

USC researchers find link between neurobehavioral issues in kids and fluoridated drinking water

CALIFORNIA – A new study, published May 20, found that fluoride exposure can cause...

HD Family Events helping to revitalize Old Town Victorville

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1H08TiP79o VICTORVILLE – HD Family Events hosted their first Night Market on Route 66,...

St. Mary nurses picket for safer workplace – says 370 nurses have quit since 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyETjbg1hnY APPLE VALLEY – Registered nurses at Providence St. Mary Medical Center held an...