Prickly pear workshop coming up on Tucson’s west side!

Location is on Silverbell between Grant/Speedway — detailed address will be provided to folks who register.

PRICKLY PEAR WORKSHOP: Saturday, August 13, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Hands-on harvest, spine removal and preparation of juice for jellies and jams. Includes food samples and materials.
Cost: $30

Hello Desert Foods Lovers!

It’s that season, time for harvest and good eating from the prickly pear cactus fruit, called “tuna” in Spanish. The fruits are ripening to a deep magenta shade. Class members will harvest, remove the spines, and prepare the luscious fruits into a nutrition-laden juice that can be used for jellies, syrups, pies and cheesecake, a pink dye, and refreshing lemonade. Here’s the nutrition lowdown: Prickly pear fruits (and the pads, which we’ll also taste and prepare) are shown to help stabilize blood sugar, making the  juice a healthful alternative to sodas and sugar-added fruit juices.

The $30 fee (discount available) covers the harvest, spine removal and juice preparation process. We will do all of this the “old fashioned” way so you have a good sense of the time honored traditions involved in bringing this delectable fruit to your table. Fee includes written materials and a fabulous breakfast showcasing the prickly pear fruit and pads, and a mesquite treat.

So come to Prickly Pear 101! Bring a pair of tongs, sunhat and covered shoes, long sleeves optional. We’ll teach you how to remove  those glocchids and spines (that’s part of the tradition)

Saturday August 13
8:30 am – 12:30
Call (520) 561-5866 or send an email to RSVP
Tucson West Side between Grant and Speedway off of Silverbell

Send course fee to Laurie Melrood at the following address: POB 87524, Tucson, Arizona, 85745

Download the flyer by clicking on the image below — feel free to help spread the word!