COOKING TIPS AND HINTS SECTION

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See also: Cactus Tips

Prickly Pear Cactus

QUESTION
Hi James,
I have never tasted or seen a prickly pear and my husband and daughter brought one home tonight. However, I know to put unripe peaches in a bag in order to ripen them, but I do not know how to ripen a prickly pear. Please help!
Sincerely, Lori

ANSWER
Hi Lori,

Prickly Pears (cactus pears) should be picked when ripe to assure good flavor quality. 
   If you need to ripen them, just store at room temperature until they are soft.  They should have an even color and give to slight pressure when ripe.  Once ripe, they can be refrigerated for about a week.
   Once refrigerated, keep in a perforated plastic bag so they do not dry out.

Chef James, FoodReference.com
 

The edible prickly pear cactus has fleshy oval leaves (typically called pads or paddles) with a soft but crunchy texture that also becomes a bit sticky (not unlike okra) when cooked. Prickly pear cactus tastes similar to a slightly tart green bean, asparagus, or green pepper.

The edible prickly pear cactus has fleshy oval leaves (typically called pads or paddles) with a soft but crunchy texture that also becomes a bit sticky (not unlike okra) when cooked. Prickly pear cactus tastes similar to a slightly tart green bean, asparagus, or green pepper.