Don’t Touch! How to Peel a Prickly Pear Safely

Use Tongs to Handle:

Always use tongs to handle the prickly pears during the peeling process. This will keep your hands at a safe distance from the sharp glochids.

Cut Off the Ends:

Place the prickly pear on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife and holding the fruit with the tongs, slice off both ends of the prickly pear. This includes the top, where the flower was, and the bottom.

Make a Vertical Slice:

Carefully make a long, vertical slice through the skin of the prickly pear. Ensure not to cut too deeply; you only want to slice through the skin.

Peel Away the Skin:

Use the tongs to grip the edge of the skin where you made the vertical slice. Gently pull back the skin, which should peel away in a large piece if ripe. Continue until all the skin is removed.

Slice or Cube the Fruit:

Once peeled, you can slice or cube the fruit as desired. Transfer the prepared fruit to a large bowl or plate.

Tips for Serving:

Chill Before Serving: Prickly pears are especially refreshing when served chilled. Consider refrigerating the peeled fruit for an hour before serving.

Serving Suggestions: Enjoy them on their own, toss them into a fruit salad, or blend them into smoothies.

Additional Caution:

Dispose of the Peels Carefully: Ensure to dispose of the peels in a way that they won’t cause harm to anyone unaware of the thorns.

Peeling a prickly pear safely requires a bit of care, but with the right tools and technique, you can enjoy this exotic fruit without any discomfort from its thorns.