I've eaten them before, but can't recall the taste.

My garden in Northern Italy has such prickly pears but they generally don't ripen properly. It can't be lack of water, as they're cacti, but I suppose the climate is too cold.

They're my uncle's idea, he never was much of a gardener, though.

Never tried cactus fruit before. I'm interested in it though. I think that would be cool to have a cactus plant!

My son wanted the cactus.  Driving it home, he noticed a black widow spider on it.  We pulled over and released the arachnid out of the car.  And it has just taken off ever since we planted it.

But you don't like the natural fence idea?  Growing some plants is a tough business in TX.  I have fruit trees and such, but other things are hit and miss.  These cacti just love it here.  So I keep going with what works.  And that way, later on when I get sheep, they will be penned in all round by cactus.  I don't think sheep will eat them.  Goats will eat anything, though.  There's a goat farm down the road.  I should ask.

I had them. the food coop I go to has them planted outside. I didn't clear off the pricklers and got some on my hand and throat. i like it. I read that native Americans used a stick to pick it and rubbed it in the sand to get the prickers off.