When I say carefully remove the insides of the prickly pear, I do mean be careful. The insides may be edible but the thick skin is covered in tiny, almost invisible spikes. You’ll know when you have one in your hand when it starts to hurt and it looks and feels like you have a splinter. I always use a few layers of paper towels and plastic bags to hold the pear while scoping out the inside. These spikes will go right through a single layer plastic bag. I also do this procedure in the sink to avoid spreading those spikes all over the kitchen counter. You’ve been warned. If you can get the insides of the fruit out then you’ve crossed the biggest hurdle. Congratulations because you are on your way to a very tasty drink.

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