Prickly Pear Jelly
Handcrafted • Small Batch • Arizona Local
Clean Arizona Sunshine bliss in a jar!
Here at Carolyn’s Classics, every jar of our Prickly Pear Jelly is a true labor of love crafted by hand in small batches to ensure the highest quality and flavor. We don’t just make jelly we tend to it! From harvest to jar, each step is guided by care, patience, and tradition.
We use only the soft, ruby-red inner pods of Arizona’s wild prickly pear cactus no tough skins, no seeds just the purest part of the fruit. Each batch is gently prepared with no industrial mills, and no rush, just shiny spoons, open pots, and the quiet magic of slow cooking.
Chef Sara Rascón, inspired by many teachers, and the soulful kitchen wisdom of Mom & Nana Maria, infuses every batch with heritage and heart. This is jam the old way before machines, before shortcuts preserved with nature’s unrefined cane sugar, free from GMOs, 100% vegan, and always gluten-free.
One taste, and you’ll know—this isn’t ordinary jelly. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience crafted with time, love, and the desert’s sweet gift!
🧀 Cheese Pairings with Prickly Pear Jelly
Prickly pear’s sweet, floral, slightly tart flavor makes it a perfect partner for these cheeses:
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Manchego – The nutty, firm texture of this Spanish cheese balances the jelly’s delicate sweetness.
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Goat Cheese (Chèvre) – Creamy and tangy; serve on a crostini with a dollop of jelly for an elegant bite.
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Brie or Camembert – The mild, buttery profile of these soft cheeses lets the prickly pear flavor shine.
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Aged Cheddar – The sharpness of the cheddar contrasts beautifully with the fruit’s gentle tartness.
🥜 PB&J Upgrade Ideas
Give your PB&J a gourmet twist with Carolyn’s Classics Prickly Pear Jelly:
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Almond Butter + Prickly Pear Jelly on toasted sourdough – earthy, sweet, and satisfying.
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Cashew Butter + Jelly with a sprinkle of sea salt – creamy and naturally sweet.
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Peanut Butter + Prickly Pear + Sliced Banana – a fruity powerhouse.
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Sunflower Butter + Prickly Pear + Cinnamon – nut-free, with warm spice notes.
Pro tip: Grill it like a panini with a little butter on the bread—thank us later.
🌵 Amazing Prickly Pear Fact
Did you know?
Prickly pear cactus is one of the only fruits that thrive in extreme desert heat while storing water in its pads. It has been a vital food, medicine, and dye source for Indigenous communities for thousands of years. Its vibrant color comes from betalains, powerful antioxidants that support inflammation reduction and cellular health.
JELLY INGREDIENTS: Arizona Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit, Sugar, Lemon, and Fruit Pectin. No Added Preservatives.