Opuntia robusta Class

Opuntia robusta is prickly pear cactus species native to the Sierra Madre mountains of northern Mexico.  
It is different from the Opuntia ficus indica commonly grown here in coastal San Diego County.  
Opuntia robusta grows a large fruit that produces a dark purple flesh and juice with very good flavor and color.  
Tim grows this cactus at 3,800 feet elevation in southeast San Diego County where it can freezes to below 20 F in the winter
and hot dry summer days occasionally to over 100 F.  
Opuntia robusta does exceptionally well in this environment and is naturally insect pest free due to the environmental
conditions.  
We will taste and juice this fruit which is not available in stores.  
The juice is great for mixing with sparkling water and acidic fruit juices like citrus.  
Tim will discuss the ecology and cultivation of this interesting plant while you relax in Spring Valley.
The tasting will be 12:00 -1:00pm at the Bancroft Elementary School located on 8949 Spring Place, Spring Valley.  
From Hwy 94 going east from San Diego take the Bancroft Dr. exit turning right (south).  
Then take the first right on Spring Place, then  left on Spring Drive to the last building on the left by the  parking area.

Instructor information:

Tim Cass grew up in east San Diego with an early interest in botany and plant ecology.  
After purchasing undeveloped chaparral land in southeast San Diego County at an elevation of 3,800 ft, Tim began experimenting
with plants best suited for this environment.  One of the most successful fruit producing plants is
Opuntia robusta, a prickly pear fruit that produces an abundant amount of large purple, juicy, flavorful fruit.