View Product

Green Cactus Pears

Fruit

Description
Actually a berry, green cactus pears are produced from the gorgeous yellow, red or purple flowers that grow on the prickly pear cactus. Egg-shaped, this remarkable fruit is a gorgeous yellow ocher or chartreuse inside and out. Encased in a prickly firm shell, its very seedy pulp offers a watermelon-like flavor and aroma when ripe.

Grow Region
Southwestern U.S. Imported

Storage Temperature
Note: Care needs to be taken when handling cactus pears. Hold with tongs or rubber gloves to prevent penetration of prickly fibers into vulnerable fingers; gently rinse under cool running water. Cut off ends; slice open end to end; gently peel away the skin of the cactus pear by slipping the tip of a knife under the skin. Scoop out pulp and seeds with a spoon; slice as desired. Best chilled, cactus pear fruit is a perfect addition in fruit cups, fruit salad or chicken salad. Serve as an edible garnish to dress up sandwiches and salads. Sieve pulp for adding flavor to a chilled punch. Perk up iced cocktails with its fruity taste. Sparkling wines love its pretty presence. Make delicious marmalade. To store softened fruit, refrigerate up to one week.

Availability

Cactus Pears are available September through April.

Nutritional Facts

Low in calories, one cactus pear fruit contains about 45 calories. Rich in fiber and low in sodium, this fruit offers a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Eating five daily servings of fruits and vegetables lowers the chances of cancer. A recent study found that eating nine or ten daily servings of fruits and vegetables, combined with three servings of low-fat dairy products, were effective in lowering blood pressure.