Great Lent Gourmet: Day 22 - April 4, 2016 - Enjoying the Tasty Cactus Pear - Απολαμβάνοντας το Νόστιμο Φραγκόσυκο

Monday 4 April 2016

Day 22 - April 4, 2016 - Enjoying the Tasty Cactus Pear - Απολαμβάνοντας το Νόστιμο Φραγκόσυκο

This is a cactus pear, or frangosyka (φραγκόσυκο). It is also known as cactus fruit, prickly pear, tuna, or Indian pear. The "figs" (they aren't really figs, but part of the family of succulents) are also grown in Cyprus, where they are known as papoutsosyka or babutsa (cactus figs). They are prickly on the outside, and seedy on the inside, but they are always juicy and delicious!

Originally, this fruit is from Central America but has spread throughout many parts of the world, including Greece and Cyprus and other parts of the Mediterranean basin. It is a food with a great deal of refreshing qualities and possesses a large number of nutritional attributes (see the bottom of this entry for a chart that summarizes its nutritional profile). Some people even refer to the prickly cactus pear as a nutritional powerhouse and superfood (see this link for a summary of its nutritional qualities). Because it has such high fiber, some nutritionists advise people to gently ease into the fruit (to quote Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.) of mayoclinic.org : "If you'd like to try prickly pear cactus, consider easing into it. Side effects for some people include mild diarrhea, nausea, increased stool volume, increased stool frequency and abdominal fullness." (click here to see from where this quote originates).

Husband has many fond memories of his pappou "Klis" << Κλής >> in Greece who would demonstrate to him how to select the frangosyka ("the figs of the Franks"), pick them up without getting the pricks on you and how to clean them safely and easily.

There are videos and directions on the internet that instruct viewers to use a knife and fork to handle the pears. That is because they have small, hairlike prickles all over the outside. As the fruit ages, the prickles disappear. Some people have used thick gloves to handle the fruit to avoid the prickliness, but we are here to tell you that there is another way!

Below is a YouTube video which demonstrates how to harvest a cactus pear (it is in Greek).

Source of video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKwon_cuM7I

When you handle the cactus pear, touch it with your fingertips in between the prickles. There is enough space to hold the fruit. Then, using a knife, cut off both top and bottom ends. Now, you have two completely smooth surfaces to hold the fruit.

You can use a knife to peel the fruit, as you would a melon, cutting down each side of the fruit, removing the skin. Do this all the way around, then you have a cleaned fruit to cut and enjoy.

Another way to clean the skin is to make slits all around the outside of the fruit. Do not cut through to the skin, but if you cut a little deeper than expected, that may be okay. Next, peel each section of skin with your fingers, making sure to grab the inside of the peel and the safe spot between the prickles on the outside. The skin pulls away from the fruit rather easily. If you are cutting the cactus pear into segments for cooking or for wedges to eat, then the knife marks on the fruit will not matter.

These can be eaten as is -- peeled and ready to eat. Or, you can use the cactus pears in a variety of recipes including sauce, beverages, soups, salads, or whatever you like. We prefer the plain fruit. Sometimes, it is nice to experience the simplicity of something that is juicy and delightful, straight out of nature. So, if you haven't ever tried this delicious fruit, give it a try!