PRICKLY PEAR Opuntia ficus-indica

The fruits are yellow-orange, more and more full of color as they ripen, always maintaining their typical round and slightly elongated shape. the pulp is juicy and fleshy, rich in water, sugars, vitamins and minerals.

Rich in vitamins C first, and minerals, especially potassium and magnesium, prickly pears also have a high fiber content which is very useful both for those suffering from constipation and for those who are attentive to their intestinal regularity.

Prickly pears are rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals and cellular aging, in addition these fruits promote diuresis and this leads to a clear reduction in the risk of kidney stones.

Climate: It is a drought resistant plant that requires temperatures above 0 ° C, above 6 ° C for optimal development. Prolonged winter temperatures below 0 ° C, although not a limiting factor for wild plants, depress the vegetative activity and productivity of cultivated plants and can lead them to decay.

Soil: The soils suitable for cultivation have a depth of about 20-40 cm, are light or coarse soils, without water stagnation, and with pH values ranging between 5.0 and 7.5

Exposure: sunny areas

Watering: plant that needs little watering, resists drought well