More Fruits and Veggies

I bought this green and black basket from Salvation Army last May.  Today, I finally realized how I could use it -  to hold fruit and potatoes! The ikea bowl I had been using was a bit too small, the bananas and apples tended to overflow onto the countertop. This basket is the perfect size!

Do you see the prickly pear, hiding behind the persimmon in the top photo? I've never tasted one before. I bought two today - and I feel like a thrill seeker!  

Before I quit sugar, I would try things-in-a-box on impulse - new-to-me crackers, cookies, granola bars, cereal, yogurt, cheese, turkey bacon. Toss them in the cart and stuff myself full without thinking. (Unfortunately, almost everything in a box has sugar.)

It surprises me that, at the age of (almost) 35, there is produce at No Frills I am completely unfamiliar with. I've had the time to experiment. What excuse do I have for not trying everything that is available? I wonder, if produce was marketed the way "health food" is promoted, with flashy labels and sleek packaging, would I buy more of it??  If there were giant signs in the grocery store, sitting above the fruit, that read: '0% salt', or 'No artificial flavors or colouring', or '100% natural ingredients', would I buy more? A little ridiculous, I know! So, I will do this systematically (I do everything systematically) Until we have tried everything, each time we visit the super market, I will pick out something new! 

I will let you know if I like prickly pears...do you like them?

ps. Pot luck idea?...ask everyone to bring in a prepared off-the-grid vegetable or fruit? 

UPDATE:
I really like them! I will buy them again...ok the seeds suck - too hard to chew, but they are edible, so I bumped the fruit around in my mouth a bit and swallowed! The taste reminds me a little of dragon fruit...same texture, but way larger/harder seeds.