Prickly Pear in Mallorca 2024-2025
A most delicious taste hides behind the thin and spiny skin
Best time: September–December
The Opuntia cactus and its fruits are a complete hell for the harvester. This species of cactus family has delicious fruits that are called prickly pears. Mexican people also call them cactus candy for a good reason. The pulp of the prickly pear is sweet, moist, and reminiscent of a combination of watermelon, fig, banana, and strawberry. The fruit can be served alone, with yogurt or ice cream, in salads, as a cake filling, and as a great addition to cocktails.
One of the most famous cocktails in Mallorca is called "Oro de Mallorca" (Gold of Mallorca). It includes a puree of prickly pears and olive oil.
The harvesting period for this fruit is between September and December. If you want to try collecting prickly pears, it's a good idea to ask someone for assistance. Otherwise, you may end up with hundreds of thin cactus spines in your clothes.
