Benefits and Varieties of Prickly Pear
Prickly pear is the fruit of the prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), a succulent plant belonging to the cactus family that originates from Mexico and has spread worldwide, especially in arid and Mediterranean areas.
Prickly pear has an oval or ellipsoidal shape, a thick and spiny skin that changes color depending on ripeness, and a fleshy pulp with many seeds that can be of various colors, from greenish-white to purple. Its taste is sweet with a refreshing acidic touch.
Properties and Benefits
Prickly pear is a fruit with low caloric value (less than 50 kcal per 100 grams) and high water content (90%). It is rich in vitamin C, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Among its beneficial properties are the following:
- Hepatoprotective: helps protect the liver and fight hangovers and fatigue.
- Antioxidant: prevents premature aging and reduces bad cholesterol.
- Metabolic regulator: favors blood glucose control and is suitable for diabetics.
- Astringent: stops non-acute diarrhea and regenerates the gastric mucosa, relieving acidity and gastritis.
Prickly Pear Varieties
There are different varieties of prickly pear distinguished by their color and taste. The main ones are:
- Green: the most abundant in the Mediterranean basin and has a sweet and mild taste.
- Reddish: the tastiest and most aromatic, with an intense red color.
- Yellow: has a bright yellow color and a refreshing acidic taste.
- Purple: has a dark purple color and a sweet and pleasant taste.
Consumption and Recipes
Prickly pear can be consumed in various ways, both raw and cooked. The most common way is to peel it carefully to avoid pricking oneself with the thorns and eat it fresh as a fruit. It can also be used to make juices, jams, ice creams, desserts, salads, or sauces. Additionally, the paddle or nopal of the prickly pear can be used to prepare savory dishes such as soups, stews, or tortillas.
If you want to know more about prickly pear and its varieties, I recommend consulting the following sources:
- Prickly Pear: Properties, How to Eat It, and Contraindications
- Prickly Pear or Tuna, the Thorny and Most Delicious Cactus Fruit: What It Is and How to Use It in Cooking
- Prickly Pear, Properties and Benefits
- Prickly Pear. Origin, Description, Varieties, Uses, Care, and More
- Prickly Pear: Properties, Calories, and Recipes - Prickly Pear Granita
Recipe: Prickly Pear Granita
To make a delicious prickly pear granita, you only need the following ingredients:
- 250 g of ripe prickly pears
- 2 tablespoons of honey or your preferred sweetener
- 500 ml of water
The steps to follow are as follows:
- Peel the prickly pears carefully to avoid pricking yourself with the thorns. You can use gloves or a cloth to protect your hands.
- Place them in a blender glass and blend until you get a puree. If you prefer, you can strain it to remove the seeds.
- Add the honey or sweetener and water and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a tray or container suitable for the freezer and put it in the freezer for about 3 hours, stirring every half hour to form ice crystals.
- Serve the granita in glasses or cups and enjoy this refreshing and nutritious drink.
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