This cactus is abundant here. The Prickly Pear cactus is one of the most widespread cacti in the southern United States. The settlers already ate its edible fruits and even today hikers can feast on it. It is also an integral part of Mexican cuisine. The fruits are edible raw and taste sweet, depending on how ripe they are. Green fruits are less sweet, red fruits can be very sweet.
You can also eat the leaves of the cactus if you remove the thorns properly. Some eat them as a salad, some fry them beforehand.