Wear gloves and use tongs to handle the fruit
Rinse the prickly pear under cool water
Remove all spines and tiny glochids with a knife, peeler, or by rubbing with a towel
Cut off both ends of the fruit
Make a shallow slit lengthwise through the skin
Peel the skin away from the flesh
Slice or eat the flesh whole
Remove and discard the seeds if desired
Eat it fresh, chill it first, or add it to salads, smoothies, or desserts