Introduction: How to Enjoy a Prickly Pear
It's tuna season again!
No, not the fish! The cactus! Tuna is the Spanish word for prickly pear, or cactus fruit. They come in two colors, red and green, are full of seeds, and taste something like a melon.
They are also covered in spines. But, with the technique you are about to learn, that won't be a problem at all.
No, not the fish! The cactus! Tuna is the Spanish word for prickly pear, or cactus fruit. They come in two colors, red and green, are full of seeds, and taste something like a melon.
They are also covered in spines. But, with the technique you are about to learn, that won't be a problem at all.
Step 1: What You Need
All you need is two forks and a sharp knife.
Oh, and a fresh, delicious prickly pear.
Oh, and a fresh, delicious prickly pear.
Step 2: Cut Off the Ends
Stick a fork in the side of the fruit to hold it steady and cut off each end.
Leave the fork in the fruit.
Leave the fork in the fruit.
Step 3: Cut a Slit in the Skin
Make a cut from down the side of the fruit, end to end.
The cut needs to be through the skin, about a quarter of an inch deep. Too deep is better than too shallow, though.
The cut needs to be through the skin, about a quarter of an inch deep. Too deep is better than too shallow, though.
Step 4: Peel the Fruit
Grab the other fork, stick it in the slit, and peel the skin back.
At this point to can continue to peel the fruit with your forks, or hold the skin with a fork while you pull the fruit out with your fingers.
Either way, be careful not to stick yourself throwing the skin away.
At this point to can continue to peel the fruit with your forks, or hold the skin with a fork while you pull the fruit out with your fingers.
Either way, be careful not to stick yourself throwing the skin away.
Step 5: Enjoy!
You can cut the fruit into slices, or bite into it as is, just be careful of all the hard seeds.