![]() ![]() We all know that we should be getting more fiber but the majority of people do not get anywhere near the recommended amount into their diets. They are very high in antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols while they also offer an excellent supply of much needed dietary fiber. It is also an excellent source of vital minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium and copper. This unique fruit is very high in Vitamin C and B family vitamins. You can get are plenty of clues to the health benefits of prickly pears by looking at their nutritional make up. This article covers the Prickly Pear Fruit-for information about benefits of the cactus leaf- read here. See also 8 Essential Oils for Sore Muscles By the early 1900s, the plants had invaded large swathes of the land so the government introduced a moth to control the spread of the plant. The prickly pear plant was introduced to Australia in 1788 to produce chochineal which they needed to dye the British army’s red coats.This valuable dye is used to color fabrics and cosmetics as well as food. The insects are actually harvested and then used to make a red dye known as cochineal. An insect called cochineal is a very common pest to prickly pears.The pads have been a common ingredient in Mexican cooking for centuries. The skin and the prickles must be removed before cooking the pads as you would cook a vegetable. Not only is the fruit edible but the pads can also be eaten after they have been properly prepared.The edible fruit is also known as cactus fig, cactus fruit, tuna and Indian fig.Prickly pears belong to the family – Cactaceae native to the Americas.Although native to America, prickly pears are now grown in other parts of the world including Morocco, Egypt, the Middle East and Mediterranean Europe.It is a popular remedy for treating headaches cause by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Ironically, the prickly pear fruit has commonly been used as a hangover cure.The Native Americans used prickly pear fruit to make an alcoholic drink called colonche.It is also a popular ingredient in juices and even alcoholic beverages. You can simply eat the fruit raw or cook it to make jams and jellies. Once you have peeled and prepared the fruit properly, there are plenty of ways to eat it. Failing to do that can result in the spines getting lodged in your throat or stuck in your gums or lips….ouch. ![]() These oval shaped fruits vary in color from yellow and green to much darker hues like red, pink and orange.īefore you eat this wonderful fruit, it is important that you remove the skin completely to get rid of any of its sharp spines. The prickly pear fruit grows at the edge of the plant’s spiny leaves. Although there are many varieties of the fruit, the ones which are most commonly eaten or used in cooking are the Indian Fig Opuntia known scientifically as O.ficus-indica. When it comes to the edible prickly pears, they are mostly harvested from the Indian Opuntia species of Nopales cacti. However, not all species produce the edible type of pear that we are familiar with. There are over 200 species of this cactus growing throughout the Americas and all of them bear some form of fruit. Prickly pear is the name we usually use to refer to the fruit which grows on the Nopales cactus plant. They are also versatile and have a range of health benefits that you can take advantage of. They are healthy, nutritious taste great. Prickly pears are becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world and for good reason. Cacti are packed full of healthy nutrients which is why prickly pears have long been used as a staple food in Latin America. Some may balk at the idea of eating the fruit of a cactus but fear not, prickly pears not only taste great but they are good for your health too. ![]()
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