prickly pear cactus about to bloom in the Arizona desert in AprilPrickly pear cacti represent about a dozen species of the Opuntia genus (Family Cactaceae) in the North American deserts. All have flat, fleshy pads that look like large leaves. The pads are actually modified branches or stems that serve several functions -- water storage, photosynthesis and flower production. All parts are edible.
interesting article about the edible prickly pear
how to eat a prickly pear
RoseWorksJewelry mentioned a prickly pear margarita. sounds good to me! Here is a recipe!
photo by me © 2009
