Tuna

RECIPES

CACTUS PEAR ICE CREAM

FRUIT AND YOGURT CUPS

CACTUS PEAR JUICE

PEAR AND CACTUS PEAR SALAD

>> You may have been intrigued by the seemingly erratic growth of the prickly pear cactus, with its pads protruding at all angles; or you may have avoided it because of its sharp, barbed spines and tiny stickers. Everyone, however, can appreciate the prickly pear's large but delicate and colorful blooms and the sweet, succulent fruit.

Over a period of several weeks in late spring and early summer, each pad produces several three-to-four-inch wide flowers that bloom in an array of colors, depending on the variety, from subtle to brilliant tones of yellows and oranges, pinks and reds. When the blooms fade, the edible fruits form.

Usage : Eaten fresh, in marmalades, jelly, ice cream & dessert sauces.
Selection : Also called cactus pear and tuna fruit, good-quality prickly pear is egg-shaped and has yellow to magenta coloring depending on the variety. Ripen prickly pears at room temperature. The small seeds are edible, but the rind is not. Be careful of spines that were not removed.
Avoid product that is overly soft or that has dark soft spots.

Nutrition information

Low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium
High in Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium

The nutritional value and health benefits of prickly pears means that they're good for:
- Maintaining good general health
- Losing weight

Don't eat too many prickly pears if you're interested in:
- Gaining weight

Serving Size: 149g
Amount Per Serving
Calories 61	Calories from Fat 6
	% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1	1%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 14g	5%
Dietary Fiber 5g	21%
Sugars
Protein 1g
Vitamin A 1%	Vitamin C 35%
Calcium 8%	Iron 2%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Source: PMA's Labeling Facts