Any prickly pear fans?

[DaveInOroValley]

We have a few cacti on our property that are producing some nice ones. I took a look at what's involved in harvesting and using them and after that it's obvious that just buying already made products is the way to go since it's a fairly convoluted process.

Has anyone tried to use them and what kind of end results did you have?

[Barbarosa]

We've made jelly , hard cider and wine from the fruit. All turned out great. It has a mild raspberry flavor.

We dice the pads and saute them and then eat them like squash. Delicious.

Harvesting the pears is easy. Use bbq tongs to pick them, and then lay them on a sheet pan. Then just use a propane torch to burn off the pricks.

[whatmeworry]

As a kid, we used to peal and eat them, by the bucket full.

[jarhead714]

I love tuna. Got a bowl full at home ready to peel. Just put salt and enjoy.

[pacrat]

As stated "Pick the pears" with tongs. To peel, stick a fork in the bottom. Hold upright and gently peel skin and stickers with a sharp paring knife.

Pads, same picking trick. Cut into strips first, then crosscut to strips to dice. Using fork trick, peel the squares.

Saute with chorizo, add scrambled eggs and enjoy. Excellent chorizo con huevos y nopales.

OR, saute with hamburger, and chorizo. Makes great tacos, and burritos.

Never heard of the torch trick before. Sounds good to me.

[DaveInOroValley]

Thank you for all the tips and to pacrat and Barbosa for the method of retrieval. I guess I'll try a few and see.

[stormvet]

We have lots here on the property, the fruit is good but very messy and the juice stains whatever it touches. Most be careful when handling the pricks are small and irritating.

My mother in law has used the meat from the prickly pear for cooking ever since I’ve known her. It’s not bad, not my favorite but does add a interesting touch to a meal. You can find a lot of recipes on line for cooking with it.

[Mesa Defense]

Bears love em

[madjack956]

Moved to AZ a little over 2 years ago and my property (4+ acres) is full of them.
Someone in the area noticed I wasn't harvesting them and asked if he could.
I told him he was welcome. He said he would make me some jam to try.

He said its an acquired taste. He said people either like it or don't.

P.S. I'm glad to give them away. They attract a lot of bees, beetles, and flies.