Are you supposed to eat the seeds in prickly pear fruit?

Over 500 million kilograms of prickly pears are produced annually worldwide, and a common question among first-time eaters is: are you supposed to eat the seeds in prickly pear fruit? The hard seeds inside prickly pears are edible, but indigestible, so they are typically either swallowed whole, chewed carefully, or strained out.

Quick Summary

The hard, edible seeds found within prickly pear fruit are safe to consume in moderation, although they cannot be digested fully. Consumers can either swallow them, chew them, or remove them, with the latter being recommended for large quantities to prevent potential intestinal issues.

Key Points

• Seeds are edible but indigestible: The hard, pebble-like seeds are safe to swallow but will pass through your digestive system whole.

• Excessive consumption can be problematic: Eating a very large number of seeds at once, especially without adequate fluids, may cause constipation or, in rare cases, fecal impaction.

• Three consumption methods exist: You can swallow the seeds whole, chew the pulp and spit the seeds out, or strain the seeds out for recipes like juice or jam.

• Seeds have their own nutrients: While the pulp is rich in vitamins, the seeds contain beneficial omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, often extracted to create oil.

• Proper preparation is crucial: Always handle the fruit with gloves or tongs and carefully remove the hair-like spines (glochids) and outer skin before eating.

Understanding the Prickly Pear Seed

Found within the vibrant flesh of the prickly pear fruit (also known as a tuna), the seeds are small, hard, and resemble tiny pebbles. Unlike the soft, easily chewable seeds in fruits like strawberries, prickly pear seeds are tough and difficult to chew completely. This texture is why many people question how to handle them. They are not toxic, but their hardness means your body cannot break them down to extract nutrients, so they pass through the digestive system largely intact.

Are the seeds safe to swallow?

For most people, swallowing a moderate number of seeds is perfectly safe. The key word here is moderation. The indigestible nature of the seeds means they can, in rare cases, contribute to fecal impaction if consumed in very large quantities. This issue is particularly relevant for those with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions like diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease. As with any high-fiber, seedy fruit, excessive intake without sufficient fluid can create problems.

Three Ways to Handle Prickly Pear Seeds

There is no single correct way to deal with prickly pear seeds; the best method depends on personal preference and how the fruit is being prepared. Here are the three most common approaches:

1. Swallowing Whole

This is the simplest method for those eating the fresh fruit. After peeling the glochid-covered skin, slice the fruit and enjoy the sweet pulp. The hard seeds can be swallowed along with the fruit without harm, as long as the quantity is not excessive.

2. Chewing and Spitting

Some people prefer to chew the pulp and seeds together, enjoying the mildly nutty flavor the seeds can release. The seeds are then spit out, similar to how one might eat a watermelon. This is an excellent way to enjoy the fruit's texture without the risk of swallowing too many indigestible seeds.

3. Straining or Juicing

This method is ideal for recipes like juices, jams, and syrups, where a smooth consistency is desired. The peeled fruit can be blended or pureed and then passed through a fine-mesh sieve, nut-milk bag, or food mill to remove all the seeds. This process yields a seed-free pulp or juice, perfect for cooking or beverages.

Nutritional Comparison: Pulp vs. Seeds

While the fruit's pulp contains the bulk of the fruit's vitamins, the seeds also offer nutritional benefits, especially in their oil form.

Component	Prickly Pear Pulp	Prickly Pear Seeds
Key Nutrients	Vitamin C, Magnesium, Calcium	Omega-6 Linoleic Acid, Vitamin E, Antioxidants
Energy Content	Higher carbohydrates (sugars), lower lipids	Higher lipids (fatty acids), lower carbs
Fiber Type	Contains soluble fiber, including pectin	Contains insoluble fiber (cellulose)
Digestion	Easily digestible pulp and soluble fiber	Hard, indigestible shell; oil is digestible

How to Safely Prepare and Eat Prickly Pears

Before you can decide what to do with the seeds, you must first prepare the fruit itself. Prickly pears are covered in tiny, hair-like spines called glochids that can cause skin irritation.

1. Safety First: Wear thick gloves or use tongs to handle the fruit. Alternatively, burn off the glochids with a flame or rub them off under running water with a vegetable brush.
2. Cut the Ends: Slice off both ends of the fruit and discard them.
3. Score the Skin: Make one long, vertical cut through the skin from top to bottom.
4. Peel it Back: Insert a finger or knife into the cut and peel the thick skin away from the pulp.
5. Serve: The peeled fruit is now ready to be eaten, juiced, or pureed.

Conclusion: Eat in Moderation, Prepare with Caution

Ultimately, whether you eat the seeds in prickly pear fruit is a matter of choice and moderation. They are safe to swallow in small amounts, but their hard, indigestible nature means consuming large quantities could potentially cause gastrointestinal issues, including constipation or, in rare severe cases, impaction. For most fresh eating, swallowing the seeds is a non-issue. For recipes requiring a smooth consistency, straining is the best practice. By exercising caution during preparation and consuming the fruit in sensible portions, you can safely enjoy the unique flavor and nutritional benefits of the prickly pear. For more information on preparing and cooking with this versatile fruit, explore guides like the one from Simply Recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you chew prickly pear seeds?

Yes, you can chew prickly pear seeds, but their hard, crunchy texture is difficult to break down completely. Many people find it easier to simply swallow them or spit them out.

Are prickly pear seeds toxic?

No, prickly pear seeds are not toxic, but they are indigestible due to their hard outer shell. This is different from the seeds of regular pears, which contain amygdalin that can produce cyanide when chewed.

What is the best way to remove prickly pear seeds for juice or jam?

To remove the seeds for a smooth juice or jam, first peel the fruit. Then, blend the pulp in a food processor or blender and press the resulting mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or nut-milk bag to separate the seeds.

Is it safe for children to eat prickly pear seeds?

For children, especially young babies, it is safest to strain out the seeds due to the potential choking or aspiration risk posed by their hardness. For older children, moderation is key, as with adults.

What happens if you eat too many prickly pear seeds?

Eating too many prickly pear seeds at once can lead to digestive issues like constipation, bloating, or diarrhea due to their high fiber and indigestible nature. In very rare cases, this can result in a rectal seed bezoar or impaction.

Do prickly pear seeds have any health benefits?

Yes, while the seeds themselves are indigestible, they contain valuable nutrients. Prickly pear seed oil, extracted from the seeds, is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants, and is used in skincare and health supplements.

Do the seeds taste like anything?

When chewed, some people report a subtle, nutty flavor from the seeds, though the dominant taste is from the fruit's sweet and fruity pulp.