The pads of a prickly pear cactus (nopals) sometimes remind me of hands and the fruit (tuna) as fingers. This one has way too many fingers! I count 14 tuna on this nopal. Maybe that's why it's hanging so close to the ground.
Many of you asked yesterday about the fruit and how it's eaten. It is mostly made into candy and jellies but, it can be used for other things too. I have a bottle of prickly pear syrup that I use to add sweetness to drinks or sauces. I can't really describe the taste other than a fruity sweetness. Rabbits, birds, and other small animals also love the fruit.
Today you have taught me another new word: nopal. If the tuna get so heavy tha thte nopal breaks off, you can just stick it in the ground or a pot and it will grow a new plant.
ReplyDeleteI sorta think it looks like a head with ringlets of hair!
ReplyDeleteSo it's a sweet taste that you get from the cactus tuna, it really is the most extraordinary looking thing! I love to learn something new everyday Sharon, so thanks.
ReplyDeleteIn Mexico, my cousins froze tuna and we ate it straight from the freezer.
ReplyDeleteI am getting an education about cactus terminology and use this week. Thanks, Sharon.
ReplyDeleteThis one is an over achiever.
ReplyDeleteThey remind me of radishes.
ReplyDeleteCool picture!
I thought of radishes too but obviously much sweeter!
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing shot! I agree. They look like stubby little fingers.
ReplyDeleteThese do look like radishes. I love this close up.
ReplyDeleteOoo and now I am craving Nopales and Eggs oh and bacon of course.
ReplyDeleteSimply lovely! I have had cactus jelly in the past - wondering if this is were is came from.
ReplyDeleteYou're right! I don' know if I've seen one that full before!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous detail! I don't see this species here, all fruits are orange, but I remember quite well nopal being sold at Mexican markets..
ReplyDeleteI love this shot. I love prickly pears. I love Arizona.....need I say more.
ReplyDelete