11/09/2026
Although they are almost gone, you can still find a few of these purple pods left on the cactus pads growing around central Texas. But what exactly are they? 🤔
These beauties are the Prickly Pears, or "Tuna" of the native Opuntia cactus. The tuna is not only pretty, but delicious too!😋These fruits are sweet, juicy, and floral in taste and can be eaten whole, preserved into jams, or added into beverages.
If you plan on harvesting any prickly pear tuna at home, be aware that just like the cactus pads they grow on, these fruits are also covered in small spines that can stick to your skin and cause irritation.📌 So be sure to carefully remove the spines before handling or eating!
⚠️Please keep in mind to Leave No Trace and do NOT harvest plants from any state parks!⚠️
