[NicolasGarcia]

In Sicily and in arid areas of Andalusia, it is part of the wild landscape and the most typical prints. Local farmers used the prickly pears as fences, to delimit the boundaries of their properties and to prevent intruder visits.

Today it is considered an invasive species (it is) and even its transfer is prohibited. Like the cypresses of Tuscany, the Andalusian prickly pears, for example, are scattered along narrow local roads and ruined walls forming part of a postcard of the past, now in decline.

Prickly pears, the fruits of this special cactus, ripen in the middle of summer. Its flesh has a light greenish, yellowish or orange color. The seeds are inside the pulp and should not be consumed. They are enjoyed fresh, after a complicated process, only suitable for experts. They have a crystalline, fresh and rustic aftertaste.

Uses of prickly pear
In the Mediterranean areas, the prickly pear, until just a few years ago, was only consumed by the poor population that knew and embarked on the complicated task of collecting it. They grew wild on the edge of the plots and could be collected for free without any problem.

As their meat and palate are so peculiar, they did not leave their place of origin and rarely (properly mounted) were in the capital markets. That has changed radically today, as the prickly pear is becoming fashionable among gourmets eager for new flavors.

The prickly pear turns into a lot of delicious treats that include sweets, slushies, sorbets, ice cream and jellies, as well as serving it as dessert. It is usually served in two ways, either raw, where it has flavors similar to watermelon, sweet melon, strawberries and figs, or as liquor.

The procedure to make the liquor begins with the extractions of the juices, and although the process is complicated and requires a little effort, the fermentation process is similar to that of winemaking. When finished, it will appear as a pink liquid, ice cream will be served as a delicious drink after dinner.

Those of the European markets come from the south of the Mediterranean area, from the most arid and hot lands of Sicily and Andalusia, very similar in climate and character. Those of the American market have more variety since, with the name of prickly pear, prickly pear or prickly pear cactus, they are found in semi-desert areas of Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina or Peru.