Fico d’India

This fruit, which originates from Latin America, can often be seen on postcards from southern Italy and Sardinia. The fruit is grainy and slightly scented, with a skin that is covered in tiny sharp spikes, which give it its name of prickly pear. The whole peeled fruit can be eaten, including the little seeds. There are a number of varieties which can come in a range of colours, from yellow and white to red. As well as being eaten as a fresh fruit, prickly pears are also used to make alcoholic drinks.