Cactus pears

Cactus pears are spiny fruits produced by several varieties of cacti, especially Opuntia ficus-indica. Also known as prickly pears, Indian figs and barberry figs, they have a soft, juicy flesh similar in texture to that of watermelons, studded with small hard seeds. They are usually eaten fresh after careful peeling to remove the fine, irritating glochids, but are also used as an ingredient for desserts and beverages such as juices, jams and sweets. Their colours range from green through orange to deep magenta, reflecting betalain pigments with antioxidant interest.