Q: What are prickly pears, and how should they be prepared?

A: Prickly pears, also called "cactus pears" or "Indian figs," are actually a berry that comes from the nopal cactus. They're grown throughout the world but are especially popular in Latin America and the Mediterranean. Their skin can be many colors, but the most common found here are green or bright magenta. The fruit has a watermelon-like aroma and sweet, mild flavor; the flesh is filled with small, edible seeds. Choose fruit that's soft but not mushy. If the fruit is firm, leave it on the counter to ripen and then refrigerate it.

Prickly pears are typically used raw in fruit salads, smoothies, fruit shakes and salad dressings, or they're made into jam or jelly. You also can puree the fruit, strain out the seeds and add it to a sweet or savory sauce.

Before using the pears, peel them. Their sharp spines should have been removed before being sold, but you may want to wear rubber or other thick gloves to protect yourself, or hold the fruit with a fork.