Opuntia

Opuntia is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae. The most commonly culinary species is the Indian Fig Opuntia (O. ficus-indica). Most culinary uses of the term "prickly pear" refer to this species. Prickly pears are also known as "tuna", "nopal" or nopales. The fruit of prickly pears, commonly called cactus fruit, or “tabaibe” in Portuguese is edible, although it has to be peeled carefully to remove the small spines on the outer skin before consumption. Cactus figs are often used to make candies, jelly, or drinks such as vodka or lemonade. The prickly pear fruit is also used as the main ingredient of a popular Christmas beverage in the British Virgin Islands, called "Miss Blyden".