Prickly Pear Festival Celebrates Native Fruit in Albuquerque
Albuquerque, New Mexico, hosted its Prickly Pear Festival, celebrating the native fruit with culinary demonstrations, food and drink vendors, and activities. Chef Justin Pioche, a "Chopped" winner, was a featured chef, preparing dishes such as prickly pear ceviche.
Albuquerque Santa Fe, NM, September 18, 2026 — The city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, recently held its annual Prickly Pear Festival, an event dedicated to celebrating the versatile and native prickly pear fruit. The festival featured a range of activities designed to engage attendees with the unique characteristics and culinary potential of the fruit.
Attendees had the opportunity to experience various facets of the prickly pear, from its agricultural origins to its use in food and beverages. The event included culinary demonstrations, allowing visitors to learn preparation techniques and recipe ideas. A variety of food and drink vendors were present, offering products that incorporated prickly pear, showcasing its distinct flavor profile.
A notable participant in the festival was Chef Justin Pioche, identified as a winner from the culinary competition show “Chopped.” Chef Pioche was a featured chef at the event, conducting demonstrations and preparing dishes for festival-goers. Among the culinary creations presented by the chef was prickly pear ceviche, highlighting innovative ways to use the fruit in savory dishes.
The Prickly Pear Festival aims to promote awareness and appreciation for this native New Mexican fruit, providing a platform for local vendors, chefs, and enthusiasts to connect. The event encompassed culinary arts, local produce, and community engagement, contributing to the cultural landscape of Albuquerque.
Story summarized from the original created by Mesha Begay on www.kob.com, see more information here.
