Prickly pear or cactus pear (Opuntia) also known as Tuna fruit in South America or Nopal or nopales in Mexico .

It grows best at elevations ranging from sea level to 15,000 feet, in a sunny position, in arid hot climates both in the old and new world.
This cactaceae is tolerant of varied soils. 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