When Are Cactus Pears Ripe?

Harvest Time

• Cactus pears ripen in late summer or early fall, depending on the climate. In low areas of Arizona, they may ripen as early as August. In the higher altitudes of Utah, Colorado and New Mexico, they may not ripen until September.

Indicators of Ripeness

• Pears form at the top of the pads and have a rounded, elongated shape. The fruit turns deep red to almost purple when ripe and becomes very full and solid. If picked before they are ripe, the fruit has a bitter taste and grainy texture.

Harvesting Prickly Pear Fruit

• Harvesting prickly pear fruit is a bit more adventurous than harvesting orchard fruits or berries. One false move and you'll end up with a fist full of irritating spines. Wear leather gloves, long pants and covered shoes when harvesting prickly pear fruit. Go early in the morning or the cool of the evening. Cut the pears off the plant with a sharp knife and carry them in a basket or box.

Uses

• Although prickly pear fruit are harvested in late summer or early fall, they can be processed into jam or syrup for year-round use. To eat them fresh, wash the fruit and slice it open. Scoop out the flesh. Alternatively, remove the rough peel and dice the pears as you would pineapple. Prickly pear fruit has a sweet taste resembling watermelon. The small seeds are edible.