Sabras is the Hebrew word for the prickly pear cactus. It is commonly seen in Israel in the summer.
Sabras in the Shephelah. Photo by Leon Mauldin.
I found a site with some recipes for the Sabra for those who may be interested: http://kosherfood.about.com/od/kosherisraelifood/a/sabras.htm
The following tips are included:
- Choose sabras with even color that give slightly to pressure.
- Ripen sabras at room temperature until soft.
- Store sabras in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Peel sabras carefully to remove the small spines on the outer skin.
- Section sabras and remove seeds
- Serve sabras cold.
In an article entitled, “Persimmon, loquat, fig, pomegranate and prickly pear in Israel,” A. Blumefeld of the Institute of Horticulture, A.R.O. Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel, writes:
Prickly pear is widespread in Israel, mainly as a fence plant in Arab villages where it separates fields. As such it is an extensive non-irrigated crop. The fruit which begins to mature in early July is consumed locally and until recently, only very small amounts of fruit reached organized markets.
The main extensively grown cultivar is a thorny, orange cultivar. The propagation of the prickly pear is vegetative and most of the plants are similar. However, other types occur among the plants which show different types of “leaves” and fruits.
Growers have selected some with a different appearance, mainly for home gardens, with some for large-scale cultivation. One of the selections is almost thornless; it has been named ‘Offer’ and forms the basis for modern cultivation of the prickly pear.
Orchards of this cultivar are planted in rows 4×5 m apart and irrigation and fertilizers are applied. The fruit is brushed in packing houses and is sold in fruit shops like any other fruit.
On our recent trip to Israel Ferrell Jenkins did not offer to peel me one of these sabras for a snack. I’m sure it was only because he was too busy taking photos 🙂
Sabra, close-up. Photo by Leon Mauldin.
Click on images for higher resolution.
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Are these anywhere mentioned in the Bible? If so, how is the word translated? I did a search, but it didn’t seem to be referring to a fruit or anything edible.
Thanks.
BH
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Hi Barbara, Thanks for writing. No, sabras are not mentioned in the biblical text. They are not native to Israel. The website I included in the text made this point regarding their introduction to Israel: “While the cacti looks like a natural part of the Israeli landscape, they were actually imported to Israel from New Mexico and Arizona in the 19th century, according to Daniel Rogov.”
–Leon
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