Prickly Pear (Cactus Pear) Sorbet

A native to Mexico, the prickly pear is a fruit of many contrasts.This fruit of the desert is also known as cactus pear and in Mexico is called tuna.It is a fruit of the opuntia cactus but is actually considered a berry.The fruit grows in clusters, is egg-shaped, and measures about 4" length.It has either a purplish or light green outer skin and inside has a soft pulp with a multitude of hard seeds.It can be eaten raw or used in drinks, made into preserves,or added to salads.

Prickly Pear(Cactus Pear) is commonly found throughout the Southwestern U.S. and Central America.It is available in early Spring till Fall seasons.It is a good source of vitamin C and A.It can be found in most Latin markets or you can find it in my Amazon store.Below is a recipe for a sorbet using this fruit.

Yeild :1 quart

Ingredients:

8 prickly pears, deseeded, juiced

1/2 sugar

2 Tbsp. apple juice

2 tsp. lemon juice

1. Put all ingredients into a large saucepan, set over mediuim heat and warm, stirring just till the sugar is completely dissolved.



2. Transfer the liquid to a bowl and chill completely (about 1 hour).



3. Transfer the mixture to your ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturers instructions.



4. Enjoy immediately or will keep for about a week stored in an airtight container in the freezer.