Prickly Pear cactus produces a yellow blossom that turns into a fruit. The fruit called a tuna is harvested in July or August. You can make prickly pear syrup good on pancakes or jelly good on a lot of things. The fruit require careful harvesting because of the spines which are long and sharp. Tongs and thick gloves are needed. The tuna contains soluble fiber and studies have shown that the juice may lower cholesterol and help regulate blood sugar. They are an important source of food for wildlife.
4 comments:
This is very good Leota Gatlain took frist place at the Santa Cruze Co. fair each year for her Jelly made from this cactus and also from others around Az. mom
We sometimes get the prickly pears down here, and they are tasty! Great shots of of the cactus and flowers. I never can seem to photograph a yellow flower properly.:-)
Hey! Thanks for dropping by and for your comments!
I read that prickly pear is fantastic for controlling diabetes, but it's rare to find it in our stores, and expensive when we can get. I did mean to try it, though, so thanks for the reminder!
I have not heard of prickly pears before and that is why I love Nature Notes as I am always learning something new...Thank you Moosh.. Michelle
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