Soon to have prickly pear jelly

The fruits of the prickly pears are coming in. For some that don't know, they are called "tunas." Once the flowers blossoms, they turn red. Not ripe until they fall on the ground. Getting close:

Attachment 162371

Sure are pretty. I make some serious jelly with these.

Is that similar to what some folks call cactus apples ?

I've had some serious Mexican food prepared with prickly pear, but haven't had the opportunity to experience the jelly. Bet it is good.

Since I'm a fruit lover, while on vacation a couple of years back, I tried them fresh off the bush. Aside from the spines and the seeds, they were good tasting and refreshing. Since then I've learned that there are some varieties that have less seeds and some with soft seeds. I found someone who has some of these and I'm trying to get a cutting from him, but they are in such high demand that it will be a while or maybe never.
"gene"

I have heard about those Gene, I would like a cutting as well. I believe they where out in California somewhere.

Yep Randy, California. If I ever get my hands on some I'll let you know.
"gene"

Thanks a bunch Gene!

Never had it

Hey Randy, I have never had any "prickly pear" jelly, care to swap some jelly? I have some mayhaw now and will soon have some dewberry and some black berry and hopefully will have some strawberry fig a little later in the season.

Damn...I'm 73 , heard of prickly pears all my life . Did not know they was the fruit of cactus...Never to old to learn something...