Prickly pear… a popular summer fruit

Damascus, Prickly pear is a beloved fruit for everyone and it is spread in most Syrian regions and has its own peculiarity that distinguishes it from other types of fruit. They called it the fruit of the poor, but it has also become for the rich, as vendors spread throughout the city streets and in the rich and poor neighborhoods, and throughout the day, citizens, women and men, old and young, flock to the vendors to peel some of the fruit for them, which everyone enjoys. This fruit is considered one of the most prominent features of summer,it is true that its season is short, not exceeding 60 days as its harvest season starts from the beginning of July until the middle of August every year, but farmers consider it a key to quick wealth and one of the most profitable products and a quick job opportunity during the summer periods, and it makes good profits. Marwan says that he has spent 25 years serving the prickly pear, noting that it is a rainfed plant, and does not require any effort in planting or carin g for it. While Abu Ahmed stressed that its planting is not expensive, it is watered with rainwater and does not need care, and over time it turned into a profitable business, where he sells these fruits in the markets and sees that they are in great demand. The seller, Tarek confirmed that prickly pear is one of the famous seasonal fruits, and he has been working on selling it for years and generates an acceptable profit, especially under these economic conditions. it is notable to say that prickly pear has many medical and economic benefits, as the most expensive medicinal oils are extracted from it, as it contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamins C and A. Its benefits also include regulating blood sugar levels, supporting the body's immunity, preventing thirst in the summer, lowering blood pressure, and giving a feeling of happiness. Source: Syrian Arab News Agency