Plains Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit- Opuntia phaeacantha polycantha

• 13 Jan, 2010
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the Aztecs of Mexico recognized thirteen varieties of prickly pear fruits, some sour, some sweet; some eaten raw, others were cooked. The ancient Maya Indians also ate them. Prickly pear fruits would have provided a good source of protein, vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.

The sweet juicy fruit was eaten by the Navajos, fresh, dried, or cooked in a stew with dried peaches.