Karmouss and El Karmouss el Hindi

Both of these summer fruits are in season now, and I'm featuring them together because they share a common name. Common figs, on the top, are known as karmouss in Moroccan Arabic, while the cactus fruit (prickly pears or Indian figs) shown below are called el karmouss el hindi.

While the common figs are sold and eaten as-is, prickly pears require careful handling in order to get to the juicy fruit. In Morocco this time of year, just about every neighborhood has a karmouss el hindi vendor, who walks the streets with his cart laden with ripe cactus fruit. The vendor will peel the prickly pears for passers-by to eat on the spot or to bring home ready-to-eat in a bag.

Outside of Morocco you'll probably need to peel your own cactus fruit. How to Peel Prickly Pears shows how. Also see the glossary listing for Prickly Pears and for El Karmouss - Figs.

Photo ? Christine Benlafquih