In Mersin, the source of healing—figs—has appeared on the stalls
In Mersin, naturally occurring prickly pears have found their place on mobile stalls. Known among locals as a "source of healing," prickly pears are sold for 10 liras each.
Prickly pears, which grow naturally on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, are gaining attention as a fruit. Also known as "Indian fig" or "barbary fig," prickly pears are consumed because they are believed to enhance bodily resistance and benefit the digestive system. At the start of the season, they are offered for sale on mobile stalls in the city center, cooled in ice cubes or cold water, and cleaned of their spiky skin. Each prickly pear is sold for 10 TL.
SOURCE OF HEALING AND RESILIENCE — 'BARBARY FIG' ON SALE IN MERSIN!
Prickly pears, the fruit of a wild cactus that grows naturally along the coasts of the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, are in high demand. Believed to boost bodily resistance and benefit the digestive system, prickly pears are known by different names such as "Indian fig" or "barbary fig" depending on the region where they grow. Each is sold for 10 TL. With the start of the season, prickly pears are cooled in ice cubes or cold water and cleaned of their spiky skin before being sold at mobile stalls in the city center. Among locals, this fruit is known as a "source of healing."
WILD BUT VERY DELICIOUS
Street vendor Doğan Güneş mentions that there is high demand for prickly pears, which causes difficulties in cultivation. "There is high demand; we sell an average of 500-1000 pieces daily. We sell out the pears we bring each day. It helps maintain heart health, strengthens bones and teeth, aids in digestion, and is very beneficial for cancer and lung health," he said. Doğan stated that the harvest of prickly pears begins in the first week of July. "This season there is very high demand. Sometimes a customer buys 50-100 pieces a day," he added.
"ALL VITAMINS ARE IN THIS FRUIT"
Street vendor Vedat Öndeş noted that the hot weather has increased interest in prickly pears. "Due to the heat, prickly pears are in high demand in Mersin. It is a very beneficial fruit in terms of taste and vitamins, and it helps normalize stomach function," he said. Toprak Kuzu, who frequently eats prickly pears due to the hot weather, commented, "I can't tolerate the heat. That’s why I eat prickly pears. This fruit contains all vitamins. It helps in the heat, providing some cooling."
WHAT IS THE BARBARY FIG?
The Indian fig (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a typical species of the Opuntia genus in the Cactaceae family. In Turkish, this cactus species is also referred to as "french fig," "french fruit," or "prickly pear." It is a fleshy fruit with a skin in red, yellow, or orange colors, measuring 5–10 cm long. The fruit is covered with numerous spines. It contains seeds, is sweet and juicy, and is edible. However, the skin needs to be peeled off before eating. It grows naturally in the Mediterranean. In Turkey, it is found primarily in the Mediterranean region, as well as in the Aegean region, Marmara region, Black Sea coast, and Southeastern Anatolia region.
