Opuntia, commonly called the prickly pear cactus, is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae, many known for their flavorful fruit and showy flowers. [1]

Also known as cactus fruit , tuna fruit or cactus pear , it boasts a naturally sweet flavor and can be used in various desserts. Plus, it's very low in calories and sugars, which makes it ideal for ketogenic and low-carb diets.

How to Eat Prickly Pear, A.k.a. Cactus Fruit, A.k.a. Tunas: Prickly pears are delicious on the inside but vicious on the outside. Here's how to get past their prickly exterior and into their sweet, succulent soul.

The tuna or ripe fruit of the prickly pear cactus has been used as a folk remedy and a food source for many generations of Jamaicans and other cultures around the world. The tuna is eaten raw and made into jams, jellies and beverages such as juice and herbal teas. The fruit is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Apr 7, 2022 · The tuna fruit has many other alias names such as Opuntia, prickly pear, nopal, Nostle and so on; however, its scientific name is Opuntia ficus-Indica. The fruit is indigenous across the Western Hemisphere, specifically in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Sep 3, 2018 · The title of the post might seem confusing, but it is all about the name for prickly pears in Spanish, which happens to be a homonym of the English name for the well known fish. Tuna, the name of the fruit, comes directly from Caribbean Taino languages, and was adopted into Spanish during Mexico’s early colonial times (1500s).

Dec 10, 2019 · Prickly pear (opuntia) is a member of the cactus family and produces pink/red spiky fruits. Learn the health benefits, nutrition, how to eat and more.

Dec 18, 2020 · Have you ever wondered how to eat a prickly pear cactus fruit? The true name of this edible fruit is Opuntia, the common names are Prickly pear, cactus fruit, cactus pear, cactus fig, Indian figs, tuna (fruit not the fish), sabra, and nopal.

Mar 7, 2025 · Fruits: The fruits, also known as tunas, vary in color from yellow-green to deep magenta. They vary in size from that of a small plum to that of a large kiwi, and the sweetness depends on ripeness. Flowers: The flowers vary in color from yellow, orange, red, and mauve. They are edible, as well.

Apr 20, 2022 · Are you ready to learn about Tuna Fruit? It’s a pear-shaped, red fruit that’s incredibly delicious! You can enjoy this fruit on its own, or add it to smoothies, desserts, salads and more! Either way, this refreshing fruit won’t disappoint.