Breaking Into the Mainstream With Cactus Pears: Improved Varieties, Marketing, and Pitahaya

Abstract

supermarkets, sought after by some Italian and Hispanic shoppers, but ignored by most consumers. The key to breaking into the mainstream and selling more cactus pears is producing better-tasting fruit, and informing consumers that it’s available. The truth is, most commercial cactus pears sold in the United States taste bland, but more flavorful cultivars do exist around the world, and there are vast differences between the best and mediocre specimens. Several domestic efforts to breed improved varieties are underway.