How Do You Make Prickly Pear Gel?
To make prickly pear gel, start by wearing gloves and protective clothing to avoid the tiny spines on the fruit. Cut off the top and bottom of the prickly pear, then make a lengthwise slit and remove the skin. Cut the flesh into small pieces and place in a saucepan with water. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for around 30 minutes until the fruit is soft. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds and pulp. Add sugar to taste and return the liquid to the saucepan. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Whisk this into the prickly pear liquid and continue to heat until the gel thickens. Pour the gel into jars and refrigerate until ready to use as a topping or spread.