How to Eat Prickly Pear Cactus

Although many people view the prickly pear cactus as an unwanted weed, you can eat the young cactus pads and fruits. Buying de-prickled prickly pear cactus saves your skin from the irritating spines. However, you'll probably have to pick your own fruits from unrestricted areas or purchase already prepared cactus pear jelly.

Instructions

1. Buy glossy green cactus pads, also called nopales, from a farmer's market or store that offers Mexican foods. For the best flavor, the cactus pads should be no larger than the palm of your hand. Before cooking, scrub and peel cactus pads while wearing gloves.

2. Dice the cactus pads. Sauté with scrambled eggs. Add to your favorite chili recipe. Mix with jalapeño peppers, diced tomatoes and onions, cilantro and garlic to make a cactus salsa--let the vegetables sit overnight to blend the flavors.

3. Cut nopales into strips. Dip the strips into a milk and egg batter and then coat with cornmeal. Fry in hot canola oil.

4. Brush whole scrubbed and peeled cactus pads with olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Then grill over hot coals or in a heavy skillet with medium high heat for about 4 minutes per side until the pads are well-seared.

5. Scrub and peel the prickly pear fruit, which can be yellow, purple or red. Harvest the ripe fruit in late summer, but beware because the fruit also contains irritating spines. Eat the fruit raw or use it like any fruit for pie and jelly recipes.

Tips & Warnings

• Use cactus pads to thicken a soup or stew recipe.

• Use heavy gloves and a sharp knife to pick cactus pads and fruits.

• Check local regulations before harvesting even if this plant is considered a weed.