To enjoy the fruit fresh, the thorns may be rubbed or washed off and refrigerated. Cold cactus pears not only taste very good, but the low temperature helps to lengthen the shelf life. 

The cut and tear method is used to remove the peel. The fruit is held in place on a cutting board using a fork, while the two ends of the fruit are sliced away using a sharp knife. The next step is to make a cut over the length of the fruit. The knife and fork are then carefully slid in under the peel and around the fruit. The peel will come free and is then pulled away from the inner part of the fruit. The peel is discarded, and the inner fruit containing the seeds are served cold and enjoyed as the fresh fruit.