Adana sees rising demand for prickly pears amid heat

As temperatures rise in Adana, interest in prickly pear—also known as French fig, Indian fig, or wooden fig—has increased. The fruit is harvested from prickly pear cacti growing naturally along the Mediterranean coast.

Street vendors sell the fruit, which is often kept cold on ice blocks to combat the heat. Prices typically range between 10 and 25 TL per piece. To make them easier to consume, vendors carefully remove the thorns and peel the skin before serving them to customers.

Local vendors note that the selling season lasts approximately two months, with fruit often sourced from Tarsus. The fruit is valued for being rich in Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.