Prickly Pear Jam

You probably wouldn't expect to find indigenous cactus in south-eastern Virginia, but (thanks to glaciers) that's exactly what we found growing in our sandy soil when we bought our current property.


If you don't have access to wild prickly pears, most large grocery stores carry them now. This jam is great on toast-- enjoy!


For about 1 cup, you'll need:

+ 5 prickly pears, peeled and roughly chopped
+ 1/2 lemon, juiced
+ water, 1/2 cup
+ sugar, 3/4 cup
+ salt, 1/2 teaspoon


Combine the pears, water, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick (about 35 minutes, give or take). Stir in lemon juice, remove from heat, and cool. Pass through a sieve to remove seeds; refrigerate.