Now Forage

Loquat: Clusters of orange-yellow fruit; ripe when fully orange with no green, yields to gentle pressure, and comes off the stem with a slight tug. Very sweet and aromatic when right — mealy if overripe. Short shelf life after picking.

Prickly pear: Turns from green to red, orange, or yellow depending on species. Ripe when skin gives slightly and colour is fully developed. Use tongs and burn off the tiny glochid spines with a flame or rub in sand before handling. Sweet, mild flesh.