The seeds can be dried and made into flour. Diced Pads can be used to thicken soups and stew. Peeled pads can be baked like squash or pickled. Researchers are verifying the value of eating the prickly pear pads to control diabetics and increase of pancreas to produce insulin. The fruit ripens in summer and can be used to make drinks, pies, jam, jellies, ice cream and other desert items.
Artists can make a dye from the fresh red fruit.
Recipes are available. Small to large plants available .