Nopales and tunas are the main edible parts of prickly pear cactus, but both require careful cleaning because glochids and spines can injure skin and mouth. Harvest young pads and ripe fruit from correctly identified Opuntia plants, and avoid old growth, unripe fruit, and contaminated sites.
Essential Concepts
Eat young pads and ripe fruit.
Remove spines and glochids.
Use tongs, gloves, and a knife.
Choose clean, correctly identified plants.