With harvest under way, prickly pear, called “Barshomi” in Aseer Region, is back in markets and at stalls near tourist sites and on roads leading to parks, a seasonal sight that has become part of summer in the region.

Agricultural researcher Eng. Hamed Al-Wad'i said the fruit comes from a succulent of the cactus family that tolerates drought well, with several varieties whose fruit differs in shape and in color, from green to yellow, orange, red and darker shades.

Aseer’s environment has helped the plant spread across slopes, valleys and farmland, adapting to the terrain and climate. Picking starts in summer and lasts into early autumn, and needs care because of the fine spines covering the fruit.

He said the season gives farmers and productive families, especially in rural areas, extra income from strong demand during the summer holiday, while roadside outlets near tourist spots introduce visitors to local produce and to farming practices handed down in rural communities.

With its farms beside villages and mountain roads, Barshomi becomes part of Aseer’s agricultural and tourism landscape each season, showing how local seasonal products can lift economic and tourism activity by offering visitors not just views but a taste of what the land and its people produce.