In a Sea of Thorns

The prickly pear cactus is a beautiful plant.  Paddles of green rise up from one another, and the flower buds appear on top.  The buds are the “pears” and are very tasty!  The paddles of the plant (which are really trunks and branches, with the thorns for leaves) are also quite edible.  The paddles are cut off, quite carefully, and held over an open flame to remove the thorns.  Once done, slice and stir-fry.  Very good in scrambled eggs.

Personally, I like looking at them more than harvesting them!