As the Spanish discovered, when they conquered Mexico in 1521, the cochineal insect, when crushed, yielded a supreme scarlet dye, which the Aztecs had long used in the production of exquisite textiles.  The dye would become an added incentive for Spain in its Mexican conquest.  The cochineal – the Spanish held the origin of the dye secret for years – produced a major cash export from Mexico, second only to silver and gold.

The cactus was introduced to Fuerteventura from Mexico in the middle of the 19th century to supply the European textile industry with red dye and was the mainstay of the island’s economy until the market collapsed with the introduction of synthetic dyes.

Over time and across Europe, it would bring the color scarlet to royalty’s garments, military uniforms, national dress, cosmetics, various foods, and even Michelangelo’s palette.  

Due to its non-toxicity it is still widely used for a range of products including lipstick, sweets, toothpaste and Campari, although it pays a heavy price for the privilege. Some 70,000 cochineal insects are required to manufacture a 1/2 kg. of the dye. The remains of the farm buildings are still there by the cactus fields.

In late summer, the cacti are full of the Prickly Pear Fruits which you can buy in the supermarkets, and are made into jams, relishes and lots more.

Don't pick them with your bare hands as the spines are impossible to get out.