Chirimoya you are absolutely correct. I confused the prickly pears with the crown of thorns, which Columbus did bring with him on his first return to Lisbon in 1493.
It's not hard for me to get confused, especially when I am posting on different threads about different topics, I need to be more focused. I wish not to provide false information or mislead anyone.....thank you for noticing and taking the time to challenge me on this information and posting it
Keeps me on my toes.
GringoCarlos, thanks for the preparation tips on Nopal. This I will try and look forward to having it part of a meal. I never knew I could eat it, my wife is just estatic about the fruit, which is hopefully on it's way.