toothers
Toothers are a type of edible, plant-based confectionery made primarily from the pulp of the fruit of the *Opuntia* genus, commonly known as prickly pear cacti. These sweet, gelatinous fruits are harvested from the pads (also called "nopales") of the plant, which are typically peeled, cleaned, and processed into a soft, chewy candy. Toothers are particularly popular in Mexican cuisine and are often enjoyed as a refreshing treat, especially during hot weather.
The preparation of toothers involves boiling the cleaned fruit pulp in sugar syrup until it reaches a
Beyond their culinary use, toothers have cultural significance in regions where prickly pear cacti are native.
In modern times, toothers have gained limited popularity outside their traditional markets, often appearing in specialty