The fruit of the prickly pear is called the “tuna” (though many menus simply use the term “prickly pear”), while the paddles (nopales) and flowers are also edible.

Prickly pear is in the Adoption stage. It’s gaining traction on menus but is still considered unique. It can be found at independent casual-dining and progressive fast-casual restaurants.

Foodies are self-described based on a segmentation question Datassential asks in all its surveys:

"I'm a foodie. I love learning about new foods and like to try new things when I eat out. I'm the type of person who reads food magazines and watches food shows on TV."

Panera Bread Co., based in St. Louis, offers a Prickly Pear Hibiscus Fresca made with water, prickly pear purée, lime juice and hibiscus concentrate.