No Tools Prickly Pear Harvest

Prickly pears are a fantastic wild fruit but the tiny thorns called glochids make them challenging to harvest. In this video I go with not tools and use basic natural materials to easily harvest and feast on this delicious food from the genus of Opuntia cacti. Primitive survival is all about using nature in a mutually advantageous relationship.
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Follow me on Instagram @chadzuberofficial
Follow me on chadzuber
My equipment:
Camera: Nikon D7500 and GoPro Hero7 Black
Sound: Zoom H6
Editing: Final Cut Pro X on MacBook Air
Location: Parts Unknown
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
Who films you?
Me. I travel alone, shoot, edit, upload, everything, all alone. On a few occasions I may be accompanied by a friend, but that has been very rare.
Do you stay out there permanently?
No, I usually stay out in a wilderness area for about a week and then hike out and return to a city for editing and uploading. I have family and other obligations to take care of as well.
How many cameras do you use?
Usually I use just one camera. When I have underwater scenes then I also use a GoPro camera. I get different angles by moving the camera around and repeating the action to create a more cinematic viewing experience for the audience.
Where is this place?
In order to protect the integrity of the natural landscape I prefer to be very vague about the locations I use. There are places that I used to visit that were so beautiful and untouched but the consequences of social media brought all kinds of people to visit and sadly some people do not respect nature and have badly damaged these places. Therefore I do not share locations.
Where did you get your sandals?
I first started wearing sandals on outdoor adventures in February 2014. I’m so glad that I did because wearing these Luna Sandals has really helped strengthen my feet. You can see their selection of adventure and running sandals at this link: www.lunasandals.com/?rfsn=102280.45562&.45562
(Note: I receive an affiliate commission from any sales derived from clicking on the link above)
Do you workout?
Yes, I workout, but not in a gym. I have some weights that I use and also do a lot of bodyweight exercises. I also run and sometimes swim. I hike frequently to collect wild foods and to shoot these videos so I'm very active all the time.
Are you vegan or vegetarian?
I wish I could maintain my health on a primal diet that does not include animals but unfortunately that did not work well and I ended up with health problems as a result of those attempts. From my studies, observations of nature, and personal experience I have come to believe that the best diet for optimal human health is a primal diet (paleo).
Do you get lonely when you’re alone?
No, I don’t get lonely. I’m actually so busy shooting video, taking photos and doing so many other things like making cordage, cooking, weaving, etc. that I really don’t have time to think about my lonely condition. Sometimes when something profound happens on an adventure I can’t wait to share it with people, but other than that I do not get lonely.
How many languages do you speak?
My first language is English but I also speak fluent Spanish and Portuguese. I also speak very little Russian. I may soon begin learning more languages.
How old are you?
I was born in 1972. At the time of this video I was 49.
Where did you get the music in your videos?
This series is the first one that I am making all the music myself. I recently made a drum and maracas (rumba shaker). I am now using them to create the intro and ending music in my videos, but before in the past I have used royalty free music from several sources including KZbin. Sometimes I bought the music but usually it was free.

[@shobha2984]

I have eaten it 40 yrs ago. My granny used to pluck it with the help of rough & thick leaves of some specific tree and then cleaned cleaned it's thorns using a bunch of babool twigs brush...... Thanks a lot. Aapki jagah dadi dikhai de rahi....... ( tears..)

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Awesome memories! You should harvest then the same way.

[@shobha2984]

@@ChadZuberAdventures Yeah, right. It's a type of a cactus.It's called 'fadya nivdung' in STRa, Maharashtra. Because of its leaves shape like a hood of cobra.I'll havto go Satara in this April must try to obtain some seeds/ anything to plant (cultivate) it. It's more than a tasty ,coloured fruit. Thanks for reminding.🚉🚃

[@pratikpatil8543]

@@shobha2984 Can you tell me where in satara those fruits are grown because I live in pune and want to try it

[@shobha2984]

@@pratikpatil8543 yeha, as I said I'm in सातारा now. I'll definitely tell u the specific places dotted with these plants🌱. As there is death in close relation, u've to wait for couple of days. Please. I'm in Karad now.

[@joseorea2188]

Eres mexicano porque así lo asen para limpiar las espinas y deliciosas

[@Yenam5555]

So many memories as a kid with my grandpa... picking prickly pears! you did it same as him! thank you Chad!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

How cool! He used stick tongs and grass brushes too?

[@Yenam5555]

@@ChadZuberAdventures actually, it's kinda funny! Almost a year ago, i mentioned that in the previous video, and you said you already tried that... But happy to see that you did it this time!

[@Rahimkhan-vh3dy]

Tasty??

[@devindralimbu7520]

​@@ChadZuberAdventures

[@edmond9705]

How do they taste

[@mattparker9726]

I would love to see a series soely dedicated to wild plants, and not just edibles, but also things for medicine.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I actually have some content I shot a while back that I haven't published yet.

[@teresakopczynska8352]

​@@ChadZuberAdventures 5:45 5:46 5:49

[@mirleydamazio628]

Temos alguns canais,no Brasil ,sobre isso. Procure por PANCs ( Plantas Alimentícias Não Convencionais). Inclusive existem canais que ensinam receitas. 🇧🇷

[@MEASSOK-]

This Favorite fruit ❤️

[@jckoibra2662]

I want to see some for spices

[@cassandralibertywest4310]

I think it's wonderful that you're living the way nature intended. You seem way healthier and happier than most people. thanks.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I’m always happy in nature

[@user-zh3pz7jw6k]

Чад, здорово! Вкусно и полезно! Попробуйте высушить опунции для зимовки, как сухофрукты.

[@retourenavant]

I'm such a big fan of your show 🥰...Wishing you all the best and the success you deserve 👩‍🌾🤗 Please continue to share your culture with us, loves from france 🇲🇫♥️

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you so much my friend!

[@radheshyamnakade820]

Hey you are living in a France?

[@jetstreamchad4712]

Forgot about this absolute chad of man and this channel, nice i found it again

[@CookingwithRehanaPK]

Hum ny bechpen main gar wallon sy chup chup k buhot khaya ha ya fruit Beautiful video. Nice sharing 💐💐👍👍

[@tammyclark1207]

Thank you so much Chad, this video will help during my transition into living off-grid in New Mexico. May peace love and many blessing in return to you, as you go forward on your path may your needs be met as well.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

That’s awesome! I wish you a wonderful journey.

[@clintwestwood1895]

Thanks for the harvesting tips, I feel confident enough to try it myself now.

[@lucosta5492]

Olá Chad! 😊🖐🖐🖐 Obrigada por compartilhar mais um vídeo incrível conosco! Deus abençoe e te proteja sempre! Um grande abraço

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Muito obrigado!

[@ladyofthemasque]

I giggled when I saw you tossing those gnawed fruit skins over your shoulder with the tiniest little smirk of glee. You were having fun doing that!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Hahaaha, pure freedom!

[@Popelyushenko_Elena]

Этим летом собирала дикую клубнику и малину и яблоки. Они определённо вкуснее садовых! 😁👍

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Дикая пища - это лучшая еда.

[@faridakiduniya20]

Yummy fruit Great video👌👍

[@primitive1683]

Taking care of the forest is a very pleasant thing. because the forest provides everything

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes! 100%

[@anisshah8315]

@@ChadZuberAdventures 6

[@weemonbansuon]

It's a smart survival It's a smart survival move.👏👏❤️😊

[@etmontnurcellari9964]

Oooo ZOT ZOT ju dimofte vella rsp rsp te gjithve flm ZOT ZOT ram ram

[@user-eh3ki1nv1y]

Мужика надо в Голливуде снимать!!! Фактурный дядька😊 За видео спасибо!!! Познавательно и интересно!

[@MyRvf]

Mouth Watering 😍😍😍😍

[@rathafarmer1798]

Watching from Cambodia 🇰🇭

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Greetings to you!

[@ovnisdemexico649]

TE LA RIFAS EN TODO LO QUE HACES MIS RESPETOS 😉☺️👁️👁️👁️👁️✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕🐕

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Gracias! GRacias!

[@Daniel_Plastiak_Crazy_Adventur]

Again good work. 😀😀😀🖖👍

[@Myastroimages]

Compost the peels for your garden. Good harvest!

[@elgrangadsby]

En México se consume tanto el nopal en guisos y ensaladas y su fruto la tuna como postre. Se hace como en ningún otro lugar de toda America desde Alaska hasta la patagonia

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Creo que tienes razón. Los mexicanos aprovechan mucho del nopal y la tuna.

[@elgrangadsby]

@@ChadZuberAdventures te invito a hacer vino de tuna en Mexico se llama colonche! Saludos 🖖 Chad

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Pretty good harvest of some tasty looking fruit. Cheers, Chad!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

And the harvest will continue for a couple more months. One day earlier this week I collected 130 fruits.

[@lilsquirt6842]

We love buying those for my grandma, i finally ended up trying some myself and the fruits are very hydrating and tasty.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yes, they contain a lot of water which makes them great on hot days.

[@bbottle870]

Chad ❤️

[@nafiz9514]

Yes

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Wow! You are the first comment!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

[@bbottle870]

@@ChadZuberAdventures yes my Chad ❤️

[@plecotusauritus327]

Been watching your videos for a while now, there is just something about them that calms me down, it is really amazing what you have accomplished. Your videos are something I find I look forward to, they are both educational and serene, and I appreciate the time you devote to this.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I appreciate that. I'm looking for ways to increase production.

[@subhashsah6273]

@@ChadZuberAdventures s as q

[@muralidharnarasimhan4290]

Chad zuber.... Good to see you back with your yummy prickly pears. Definitely a more innovative method of cleaning than previous year. More quick and safe for your hands. Imagine what my kids would say if I told them Chad cleans his fruit on the ground with dry grass 🤣

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I like to experiment with different methods. The first time I used fire and didn't find that to be very effective.

[@fineaux]

إن الطبيعة هي الأساس الصحي لحياة الانسان .. فكل نبات بري هو صالح للغذاء والدواء والحياة الطبيعية لا أمراض فيها كما قلت لك سابقا .. إنها greatness life

[@wiseman9959]

Wow!! Amazing, simplicity in survival life

[@sheikhanaraga5820]

Sending my love and full support

[@thach2636]

bạn thật là tiệc vời.thể hiện lại cuộc sống dân dã thật là độc đáo. chúc bạn nhiều sức khỏe và thành công

[@tantanfarmtv6164]

Cactus fruits is sweet and delicious 🌵🌵🌵👍👌

[@Righteous1ist]

The fruits are very good. Juicy and slightly sweet.

[@elgrangadsby]

Ligeramente? Son muy dulces depende la variedad que comas En Mexico es muy popular es el país donde más se consumen tunas

[@milesorgayapalero5773]

Wow,😱😱😱I love the place sir,😍😍😍😍😍🥰🥰

[@bartsimpson2077]

👍 bonne dégustation Il ne manque que chita 🐒 et Jeanne 👩🏼. 😂😂😂 .

[@rickkaylor8554]

This is one of the first native plants I ever ate since I live in southern California. They are delicious.

[@fgiveme]

How sweet are prickly pears compared to commercial fruit? Like dragon fruit or apple?

[@lorainefleeman6011]

@@fgiveme Much better, unless you get your apples fresh from a tree.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

I'm glad you know this plant. There are at least two species that I have eaten in California. Both are so good.

[@elgrangadsby]

@@fgiveme son tan dulces que puedes hacer destilados como vino de tuna en Mexico se llama COLONCHE y hay más variedades esa Romita se llama Cardona hay de más colores como verde blanca naranja y diferentes tamaños

[@rickkaylor8554]

@@fgiveme To me they taste like raspberries and are as sweet - if they are ripe.

[@wanlapa-dz2ok]

ฉันดูคุนที่ประเทศไทย ดูมาสองสามคลิป ชอบคุนเก่ง ใช้ชีวิตที่สุดๆและยอดเยิายมจริงๆ😊😊😊ขอบคุนที่ทำวีดีโอมาให้ได้ดูคะ🙏☺️👍

[@louiseswart1315]

You can use one of your smallest pottery cups to pick your prickly pears. Put it over the fruit, then snap to the side. We used a small tin can to pick the bigger ones on the larger trees that grow in the Karoo where I grew up. The tin was attached to a strong stick or pipe for reaching high, or between the branches. Here the imported cactus are planted for making fermented fodder for cattle. The syrup cooked from the fruit is a year round delight on bread and ice cream.

[@louiseswart1315]

When you slice into the peel on the small ends before you slice the length of the fruit, the flesh roll clean off of the peel which stays in one piece.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

That's a really good idea. I never heard of that technique. I should make a smaller cup that will work well for that.

[@louiseswart1315]

Watching you work with them, I understand though why you keep them on, until you have rubbed off most of the thorns and tiny prickles.

[@illegallyblonde232]

Zuber picked a peck of prickly pears🙃 happy birthday 🎂

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you!

[@phadichorivlog3758]

Amazingly Fruit wawo Sir Good job Sir 😘😘😘😘

[@keithstone9221]

"Don't grab the prickly pear by the paw. When you pick a pear, try to use the claw." Baloo

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Good saying!

[@yan3066]

@@ChadZuberAdventures hey Chad, I have a question for you. Why don't you eat the skin of the fruit ? Is it because it is like rubber ? Or does it have a bad taste ? Just curious...

[@noway934]

I would have thought, in case there a stray spine. Better safe than sorry

[@lindaseel8633]

Wisdom from a wise old 🐻

[@hansrajbhaitanti]

Really, a very nice, genuine, real fact & ever memorable, great motivational good suggestion.

[@tumbuh-tumbuhanchannel4299]

The best video💚💚💚

[@kuroshthegreat8073]

Great video Chad. If I may, I have a suggestion for your garden. I'm not sure what variety of maize you tried to grow, but if you decide to replant you may want to use a Hopi variety, such as Hopi blue or pink, they have been selected for many generations to withstand dry conditions. You could also use Chapalote maize which is an extremely ancient breed and is also very hardy and can withstand drought. Looking forward to your next video!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks so much for these tips. I noted them down in my notebook. Next year I intend to do much more horticulture experiments.

[@URVICUS]

@@ChadZuberAdventures к стати,давно пора,ибо регулярное питание это основа жизни.Понимаю,что за кадром и пицца и все что надо,но нежелательно в контенте.

[@Damalas75]

@@URVICUS Translated Russian- I understand that behind the scenes and pizza and everything that is needed, but undesirable in the content.

[@wilesmythpatel8311]

@@ChadZuberAdventures lol vidio talk português Brasil may frends 🇧🇷👍

[@jharnabiswas4239]

pp

[@mattparker9726]

7:26 I can tell it's one of your favorites. Every time you eat them it's " *SLURP* MMMMM! "

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Yep!

[@danpost4755]

I always enjoy your videos, Chad. Well done!

[@AmauriPoyntz]

Love this vid Tarzan looks like they are ready for eating too an they look yummy as well

[@sajjadg2737]

Amazing n mouthwatering WOW😊

[@lorenarodrigues162]

Bom dia amigão. Um ótimo fim de semana.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Bom dia Lorena!

[@gabrielking9569]

Good video! You taught me how to handle this plant safely! Also I like how simple the video was. No need to talk when you're teaching hands-on! I silently nod in approval 😎

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thanks, glad you found it useful.

[@terryrogers7899]

I love this. Thank you. I live in Llano Texas and so many of those fruits around and very few people utilize them. They make good jams as well as the algarita berries.

[@kedricwilliams5287]

Wow. You're a super cool dude. Thank you for this video.

[@balladdesa]

Buah liar yang sangat segar 👍

[@Doc1855]

We buy cactus from the store about once a month or so and make cactus stew with stewed tomatoes, Anaheim peppers, cabbage, chili peppers . We then fry pork chops and dice them when cooked. We simmer all ingredients for half to 1 hour. We then drain off most of the juices (as we’re dishing it up and put it in either a flour or corn tortilla and eat it like a burrito. The juices taste great when cornbread is added.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

That sounds like a very yummy traditional meal!

[@tvdinner325]

I play with my food, too!

[@Damalas75]

Glade to see you feeling a bit better Chad!

[@thatdog6815]

My man is a real chad

[@leonormorales3892]

😋MMMHHH YUMMY 👍🏼👌🏼💯

[@Trustkillx]

Gonna fall asleep to this.. thanks Chad! #asmr

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

You're welcome!

[@Aniestrials031]

Super, so nice video

[@nancyrosanelli8459]

I like that every video you make has a quote of great wisdom. Thank you for teaching people the old ways of living. Can't wait to see what you craft next, something out of whatever is around in nature. You blew my mind when you made a house out from the dirt. Kind of shifts one's perspective. 👏 Keep inspiring people!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Dirt houses are the best!

[@babloopandey5369]

Very Nice👍 bro😍😍😍

[@maxshirokow1346]

Привет Чад,хотел спросить будешь ли ты готовить свою хижину к зиме? После прошлой зимы выявились недостатки холодного пола.Может расширишь печку чтобы можно было на ней спать?Можно ли засушить плоды опунции и заготовить на зиму сухофрукты?

[@taniamariadejesuscosta1632]

Adoro seus vídeos. Gosto de vida simples com a natureza. Quanta sabedoria vc tem...

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Obrigado!

[@taniamariadejesuscosta1632]

@@ChadZuberAdventures Quanta felicidade em saber que vc leu meu comentário. Pensei que seria impossível,kkkk👏👏

[@luigit7666]

Congratulations Chad your videos are always very beautiful and I see that respect for Nature is sincere, thank you

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you so much! I love nature.

[@princelaghari6634]

@@ChadZuberAdventures t5bb

[@princelaghari6634]

@@ChadZuberAdventures t5bb

[@MonsieurLeWok]

Muy bueno muchas gracias

[@elizabethgomez3361]

Ooh, I really want to try prickly pear!

[@sudheshj8673]

Ohhhh very nice

[@Dj_jaywalker]

Amazing video

[@NAS.T_Biz]

love you chad been watching since 1st hut keep the vids coming

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Thank you so much!

[@elcriticodeinternet6060]

Lo de las tenazas me gustó excelente idea . un gusto ver tus vídeos SALUDOS 👍 .

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Gracias

[@tashershkolo5896]

Видел такие в крыму, всегда хотел попробовать. Удачи тебе, ждем новых видео

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Да, сегодня она существует во многих частях мира

[@andyvue2418]

I love your video great video I learned a lot

[@Christmascactus88]

When watching a video about cacti, I can't help but feel amazed and in awe of their wild beauty. Cacti with their rough branches and delicate leaves exude life and toughness of the desert. I feel like I'm drawn to their resilience and uniqueness. It's fascinating to know that cacti can survive in some of the harshest conditions on earth, where water is scarce and humidity is low. They can also exist in dry and sandy environments. This shows that life can thrive in places where we think it's impossible. Witnessing the uniqueness and vitality of cacti makes me feel impressed and more respectful of nature. We need to preserve and protect their habitats so that they can continue to exist and flourish in this world.

[@bobbydookhie7297]

Didn't spread your virus!

[@cindyhopkins3989]

Great video

[@luispacholok1019]

EXELENTE👏👏👏👏👏

[@ainabasri299]

Nice fruits

[@sinkingboat101]

I had some of these pears last week. When I recognized the "cactus fig" as they were named in the store, I had to buy them. They were from Italy and so delicious. Caught some thornes in my fingers too, but it was worth the trouble. Glad to be able to enjoy something you do in the wilderness

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

That’s great! I assume that the ones you purchased were much bigger. These wild ones aren’t available in stores.

[@semirayahlioglu9829]

مرحبا تشاد كنت بأنتظار هذا الفيديو أصبح جزء من حياتي وكأنني في البرية أنها السنة الثانية لحصاد التين الشوكي اتمنى لك اوقات جيدةوحصاد وفير

[@Siva__official1029]

This is fruit very healthy I like it fruit

[@leslie77]

I like it.

[@yurimatheus5425]

Olá, meu querido amigo Chad! Obrigado por trazer alegria e paz para mim com teus vídeos. Sou extremamente fã de seu trabalho e o admiro muito. Manda um alô para mim no seu próximo vídeo. Ah! Tenta fazer uma rede para você deitar debaixo das árvores com as cascas de zimbro ou com algum outro recurso. Um abraço meu amigo!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Obrigado Yuri! Vou mandar um oi quando faço um Camp Chat (Bate-papo no campamento). Também vou fazer uma rede.

[@yurimatheus5425]

Fico feliz por você absorver minha sugestão. Agradeço pela sua atenção e carinho toda vez que comento aqui.

[@nafiz9514]

Cool

[@hukkabukka]

Sound of the nature is so satisfying.

[@SmartWentCrazy]

Nice video, was nice to just hear the natural sounds

[@miguelguedesmendonca4879]

Chad zuber Loves cactus pears

[@miss_tv]

Very Cool 😊

[@gracecastilloarroyo2340]

El lugar muy tranquilo Le felicio por el vídeo y espero que sigas adelante mostrado como puede sobrevivir en ese lugar felicitaciones Gracias y adelante pura Vida 🇨🇷🌎🌴

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Gracias Grace!

[@hansrajbhaitanti]

Wow! Really, a very nice, genuine & ever memorable, great motivational feedback.

[@hansrajbhaitanti]

@@ChadZuberAdventures very nice & ever memorable, great motivational reply.

[@teresapangol1246]

Tarzàn moderno jejeje.

[@PsychicIsaacs]

I grow Opuntia ficus indica all.over my farm in North Central Victoria, Australia. They are so yummy!

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Nice! I read that it is a very serious problem in parts of Australia.

[@hansrajbhaitanti]

Wow! Really, a very nice, genuine & ever memorable, great motivational feedback.

[@Nhanh-kunkhmer]

Wow amazing man

[@tortasmarymar1222]

Que lindo video

[@Ryder382]

I don't think you could survive in our forest of British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦. But I do enjoy watching. ✌️🙏

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Oh yeah? Why do you think that?

[@Psillytripper]

those are sooo good.. havent seen em in the store since the pandemic. one of my favorite fruits hands down just very rare

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Really? Where do you live? I don't see why they would discontinue them for that reason.

[@YounghwanChoi9]

They live in Jenu island, Korea. Rare but you can purchase them in online store in Nov.

[@Screeeling]

Happy Birthday, Chad!

[@Geburtswehe]

You are a real surviver

[@tiluhikers2490]

Awesome👏👏👏👍

[@jphindikahani849]

Beautiful video 😊😊

[@mattparker9726]

0:05 YES! I'm reading a wild edibles plant book right now.

[@ChadZuberAdventures]

Oh wow! Awesome!