Prickly pear substitute?

I want to give mead a try, and Charlie papazian’s prickly pear mead recipe really caught my interest.  The only problem… I can find prickly pear anywhere (here in Michigan) this time of year.  Is there a good substitute or should I wait until prickly pear become available?

I guess you’ll have to wait.  My cactus fruits are at least a month from being ripe, maybe even 2 months.  Can you get cactus fruit in Michigan?

If you just can’t wait & money is no object… then you could try using this stuff. I used a small bottle a few years back to suppliment my prickly pear mead’s aroma & color. Makes good BBQ sauce too!!!  8)

http://www.desertusa.com/web_cart/db/pages/9066D.html