Prickly PearThe Prickly Pear, is a very drought resistant and tough plant that is very common in Arizona. The specific name is known as Opuntia phaeacantha. In Spanish, this plant is called "tuna." Most of what you see on this cactus are the pads, which are referred to as "nopales or "nopalitos." This cactus is found in the deserts of our desert southwest. This is a very hearty plant here in the southwest and can survive without water for long periods of time. It easily stores water within the plant and when rain is adequate, the nopales will become twice as thick. The Prickly Pear will adapt to many different locales as well as elevations. You will typically find the it in areas where the soil is well drained soil and dry, which is almost never an issue here in the desert! They also like areas consisting of rocky flats or slopes and are also common in the more rugged terrain such as the mountainous foothills. Not only will see this plant thriving on the desert floor of the Sonoran Desert, you will also find them in grocery stores! Yes, you heard that right. This cactus is actually very tasty and has many health benefits. Rich in vitamin C,fiber, vitamin B-6, potassium, calcium and magnesium, the Prickly Pear is also low in calories. In fact, an 8-ounce serving of the raw fruit will only set you back a mere 61 calories and an 8-ounce serving of the raw nopales, or the pads of the cactus are only 14 calories. So if you are counting calories, the Prickly Pear might just be the way to go. I have also heard that this plant is good in salads. You simply peel the skin off and boil the rest of the plant and let it cool. After it has cooled to the touch, you can add it to virtually any salad of your choice. One word of caution, though, like any wild plants here in Arizona, the Prickly Pear cactus is federally protected by law. Therefore, neither the fruit or the pads cannot be picked without a permit. As I said, you can certainly find them in many grocery stores here in Arizona, found in the fruits and vegetables section. Some stores where I have seen them available are such stores as Food City and Bashas'. I have also seen them being sold at the swap meets here in Arizona, too. If you are anxious to try the fruit of the Prickly Pear, you will have to wait for summer, particularly in June through August, when the fruit ripens. You will also find it used in jellies, syrup as well as Tequila. I have not tried the syrup or the tequila, (although I would like to try the tequila!) but I have tried the jelly and it is delicious! I found a great site if you are interest in beverages or any entrees containing this magical fruit, I know that www.desertusa.com has some great recipe ideas. If you would like to learn more about this plant and get a "birds eye view" of this cactus and other southwest desert flowers, the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is a great place to visit. Their address, phone and hours of operation are listed below for your reference. Desert Botanical Garden 1201 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix, Arizona (480) 941-1225 The Desert Botanical Garden is open seven days a week, year round except for July 4, Thanksgiving Day and December 25. Desert Botanical Garden Seasonal Hours: October - April 8 AM-8 PM May - September 7 AM-8 PM The Garden will close at 4 PM on Monday, April 23 and Saturday, April 28, 2007 There are certain trails that the garden closes during the evening hours, so you may wish to call ahead for information regarding hours on their open trails.
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