What steps should tourists follow to properly clean prickly pears before eating them?

Before eating prickly pears, it is essential to take proper steps to clean them thoroughly, ensuring a safe and pleasant experience. First and foremost, tourists should handle the fruit carefully, as prickly pears are covered with tiny, hair-like spines called glochids, which can easily irritate the skin. Using thick gloves or tongs to hold the fruit is advisable to avoid direct contact with these spines. Rinsing the prickly pears under cold running water will help remove some of the loose debris and sand but won't eliminate the glochids entirely.

To remove the prickly pear spines completely, gently scrub the surface with a brush or rub it with a kitchen towel while rinsing under running water. This mechanical action helps detach the glochids from the fruit. Another common and effective method is to singe the glochids off by holding the fruit over an open flame, such as a gas stove burner, for a few seconds, rotating it carefully to avoid burning. This technique burns away the fine spines without damaging the fruit’s skin or flesh. Once the prickly pear is free of spines, it should be rinsed again to remove any remaining debris.

After ensuring the prickly pears are clean and safe to handle, the next step is to peel the fruit. This is done by slicing off both ends, making a shallow lengthwise cut through the thick skin, and then peeling it back to reveal the juicy, flesh beneath. The flesh inside is edible and sweet but contains small seeds that some people prefer to avoid. The properly cleaned and peeled prickly pears are now ready to be eaten fresh or used in recipes, offering a nutritious and delicious treat. Following these cleaning steps carefully enhances safety and enjoyment for any traveler encountering this unique fruit.