The prickly pear, or as more commonly known in Maltese il-bajtra tax-xewk, is one of the most loved and ever-present fruits on the Maltese Islands, particularly during the hot months. Found in many countryside locations around the islands, the plant creates a very picturesque setting. The prickly pear cactus plant produces a delicious fruit which is enjoyed by many locals in Malta and in neighboring countries.

First used by the Knights of St John for its moisturising properties, and later by farmers as a boundary to deter intruders from entering, the prickly pear fruit has more to offer than meets the eye.  The prickly pear, is a large cactus of the genus Opuntia. In lean years the cactus plant was cut up and fed to livestock.

The following is a list of how the prickly pear fruit can be consumed and used:

The Fruit  – Prickly pears are typically available during the late summer months. One needs to pick them from the cactus plant using special gloves or tools preferably early in the morning. This is because  the spines are not that hard after the cool night temperatures. The fruit are then left in a bucket of water for a couple of hours so as most of the spines fall off. Then the fruit is peeled and eaten. It is ideal to store the peeled fruit in the refrigerator.

Juice – Prickly pears can also be enjoyed as a thick juice or smoothie. It-Tokk Prickly Pear Juice is rich in many nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making it a wonderful and healthy addition n to your diet for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Photo: Instagram @ibifiye

Granita – The Maltese prickly pear fruit has one of these three bright colours; green, yellow and red. Make the most of the prickly pear harvesting season by turning a bunch of these colourful fruit into a delicious sorbet or granita. You can even give this snack an ‘adult’ twist by adding some It-Tokk Prickly Pear Liqueur to your blend.

Jam – Unlike all jams It-Tokk Prickly Pear Jam is made from real fruit. Spread this delicious jam on your morning toast or enjoy it with your afternoon tea and biscuits.

Liquor – The Prickly Pear liquer is simply a must try when one visits the Maltese Islands. Better enjoyed on some ice. It has a vibrant red colour and that sweet taste of this summer fruit.

Cocktails – Enjoy a Prickly Pear Cocktail near the pool on a hot summer day. For a non-alcoholic cocktail use our Prickly Pear Juice, some lemon soda and add some fresh berries of your choice. For an alcoholic cocktail use either our Prickly Pear Liquor or Prickly Pear Juice added to some lemon soda and rum.

Chocolate – For all you chocolate lovers you must simply try the Prickly Pear flavoured dark chocolate. It is very rich in texture and the two flavours blend too well with each other leaving you wanting for more.

Nougat – Our Maltese heritage is rich and unique and our traditional nougat is a must try. At It-Tokk Gozo Traditional food we have amalgamated the traditional soft nougat with the local prickly pear. This nougat is made using only the fruit juice and no artificial flavouring is added. The softness of the nougat and the rich, sweet taste of the prickly pear is a divine combination which one can only experience in our shops.

One can not fully experience the Maltese Islands without having tried at least one of the above mentioned prickly pear delicacies.

All of these products and other products can be bought online or through our re-sellers in France www.malta-france.fr or in Australia www.maltaxconnection.com.au, while those interested from other countries can contact us by email for a quote.