Egyptians harvest prickly pears - in pictures

  • A singing farm worker carries prickly pears on his head in Al Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt. All photos: Reuters
    A singing farm worker carries prickly pears on his head in Al Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt. All photos: Reuters
  • Prickly pears, or teen shoki, are a popular fruit in Egypt during summer.
    Prickly pears, or teen shoki, are a popular fruit in Egypt during summer.
  • They are rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals.
    They are rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals.
  • Prickly pear cacti require a small amount of water and can withstand extreme temperatures.
    Prickly pear cacti require a small amount of water and can withstand extreme temperatures.
  • The harvest season for prickly pears is in July and August.
    The harvest season for prickly pears is in July and August.
  • Workers wear protective clothes to protect them from the thorns of the cactus.
    Workers wear protective clothes to protect them from the thorns of the cactus.
  • The pear pickers at work.
    The pear pickers at work.
  • Production is on the rise because of the fruit's low water consumption and ability to withstand extreme temperatures.
    Production is on the rise because of the fruit's low water consumption and ability to withstand extreme temperatures.