What You’ll Need
- Gloves or tongs
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Water
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to remove cactus pear thorns:
1. Protect Your Hands
Before handling prickly pears, wear gloves or use tongs to protect your hands from painful thorns. This will prevent any accidental pricks and keep your hands safe.
2. Prepare the Fruit
Place the prickly pear on a cutting board and firmly hold it with tongs or your gloved hand. Use a sharp knife to cut off both ends of the cactus pear.
3. Slice the Skin
Starting from the top, make a shallow cut along the length of the fruit, just deep enough to penetrate the skin. Be careful not to cut too deep as you don’t want to reach the juicy flesh just yet.
4. Peeling Off the Skin
Using the tip of your knife, gently lift the edge of the scored skin and start peeling it off, making sure to remove any spines that might be attached to it. Work your way around the fruit until all the skin is removed.
5. Removing Remaining Thorns
Inspect the flesh for any remaining thorns. If you find any, use a pair of tweezers or the edge of your knife to carefully pluck them out. Take your time to ensure all the thorns are removed.
6. Rinse and Enjoy
Once you’ve removed all the thorns, give the cactus pear a gentle rinse to remove any remaining spines or debris. Now you’re ready to enjoy the succulent and sweet flesh of the prickly pear without worrying about any unpleasant pricks.
Remember to always exercise caution and take your time when removing cactus pear thorns. By following these steps, you can safely enjoy this delectable fruit without any inconvenient encounters with spines. Happy peeling!