As many of you may know, I've visited Spain a few times over that last year or so. On my first visit I was introduced to Chumba's or Prickly pears plants which are widely grown in Spain.
Prickly pears were brought by the Spanish to Europe, possibly accompanying Christopher Columbus in his first return to Lisbon in 1493. The species was called ficus-indica in confusion with its supposed similarity to the Indian fig.
Prickly pears are found all along the Spanish Mediterranean coast though their consumption is almost entirely reduced to local markets in the south, where they are eaten as a dessert.
I haven't tried the fruit yet, but hope to in my next visit, I have been told it taste simply divine! Pictures taken by Trojan Gayle & GCF
I love the cactus. I have tasted prickly pear margaritas and syrup that is used in water. I am not sure how the fruit would taste.
ReplyDeleteNow that is a drink i would love to taste... bring it on!
ReplyDeleteThe chumbo pear is a delicious but very hard to handle fruit as it is covered in almost lethal prickles!! The chumbo is to be found growing naturally in the countryside of Andalucia, among other places and can be skinned, (carefully) and then juiced along with other juicy fruits such as grapes, apples, oranges etc. The juice of this fruit freezes well and is very nutritious. I have drunk this whilst admiring the mountains and lakes views of Andalucia, but mountain views or no, don't pass up a chance to try this, preferably chilled and maybe with a little Spanish rum. It will make your hair curl . . . . and set you up for the weekend . . . I promise!!!!!
ReplyDelete