Cactus fruit soaks up the sunshine

Cactus fruit soaks up the sunshine

Around the Campo the big cactus plants with the flat pads are sporting plenty of fruit.

These fruit are enjoyed by the locals but they are difficult to harvest. As can be seen from the picture, they are covered in large spikes. But there are also small, sharp, hairs that puncture the skin if not properly prepared. Cactus gourmets gather the fruit carefully and then treat them to make sure that the small hairs are completely removed. Then the fruit can be cut open and the juicy flesh enjoyed.

These big cactus are a feature of the landscape but they are a relatively new arrival to Spain, being brought from South America by explorers.

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©Phillip Bruce 2009.