Verified in Tucson.
Prickly pear yields two foods: the magenta tunas fruit harvested in late summer for raspados and syrup, and the green nopales paddles year-round for tacos and salads; in United States we have verified places to eat it in Tucson. Start with where to eat Prickly pear (tunas and nopales) in Tucson.
Prickly pear yields two foods: the magenta tunas fruit harvested in late summer for raspados and syrup, and the green nopales paddles year-round for tacos and salads.
Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) is native to the Sonoran Desert and has been harvested by the Tohono O'odham for over 4,000 years. The magenta fruit (tunas) ripens August through September; the green paddles (nopales) can be harvested year-round. Mission Garden cultivates heirloom Opuntia varieties on the Sentinel Peak grounds, and Tucson cocktail programs from Hotel Congress to La Cocina build prickly pear margaritas from the syrup. Mexican markets along South 12th Avenue sell whole paddles for grilling, salads and the canonical tacos de nopales.
Where to eat in Tucson:
Where to eat Prickly pear (tunas and nopales) in Tucson: the editor picks
Guided tour · 2 hours
Discover Tucson’s historic downtown on a guided food tour with a streetcar ride. Learn about the city’s architecture, history, and culture while enjoying a full meal o...
Guided tour · 4 hours
Explore downtown Tucson on a walking food tour. Enjoy tastings from locally-owned restaurants, discover hidden gems, and learn about the city's history and culture.
Guided tour · 6 hours
Explore Tucson on a guided city tour with lunch at El Charro Café. Visit the San Xavier Mission, the University of Arizona area, and the historic downtown.
