Is prickly pear the same as cactus?
prickly pear, also called nopal, any of several species of flat-stemmed spiny cacti of the genus Opuntia (family Cactaceae) and their edible fruits. Prickly pear cacti are native to the Western Hemisphere.
Do prickly pears come from cactus?
Also commonly referred to as a cactus pear or Indian fig, the prickly pear is a fruit-producing cactus belonging to the Opuntia genus. Native to Mexico, these cacti are known for their distinctly flat cladodes (also known as cactus paddles or pads) that resemble beaver tails.
What is a prickly pear considered?
Eastern prickly pear is in the Cactaceae (Cactus) family. This family contains about 1,800 species all but possibly one or two native to the New World. The prickly pears are considered an old group within the cactus family with about 150 species in Opuntia.
Is a pear a cactus?
Opuntia, commonly called prickly pear or pear cactus, is a genus of flowering plants in the cactus family Cactaceae....OpuntiaFamily:CactaceaeSubfamily:OpuntioideaeTribe:OpuntieaeGenus:Opuntia Mill.12 more rows
What happens if you eat a prickly pear?
Prickly Pear Pads Eating both the pads and the fruit results in a larger range of nutritive intake. The most notable health benefit found in the pads is their high counts of vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant. Although the fruits do have carotenoids, they don't have the full source of vitamin A, unlike the pads.
Can humans eat prickly pear?
2:585:04So you can pulverize them up and then strain out the seeds. If you wanted to and then you can justMoreSo you can pulverize them up and then strain out the seeds. If you wanted to and then you can just or grab them like this and just go ahead and eat it seeds are edible they're just pretty crunchy.
Can you bite into a prickly pear?
2:515:04See these little seeds. So you can pulverize them up and then strain out the seeds. If you wanted toMoreSee these little seeds. So you can pulverize them up and then strain out the seeds. If you wanted to and then you can just or grab them like this and just go ahead and eat it seeds are edible they're
Can you drink cactus water?
0:131:34It's not poisonous but it's certainly not a good source of water.MoreIt's not poisonous but it's certainly not a good source of water.
Why is prickly pear a problem?
They can also injure, cause infection in, blind and even kill native animals, pets, working dogs and livestock. Once in the environment, prickly pears can form impenetrable walls of vegetation and cost millions of dollars to control.
Is pineapple a cacti?
Pineapple Cactus is a showy, clustering cactus with white spines and large yellow flowers with an orange center....Pineapple Cactus (Coryphantha)Zones5 - 9Light RequirementsFull SunWater ToleranceXericMature Height4-5" tallMature Spread3-4" wide5 more rows•Aug 31, 2016
What fruit is like a cactus?
Dragon Fruit, Hylocereus undatus. If you didn't know this already, dragon fruit is part of the cactus family. This spiky fruit has a memorable crunchiness and tastes like a cross between a kiwi and a pear. They're a great addition to smoothies or can be eaten on their own.
Is cucumber a cactus?
0:425:14And it is a slightly different in appearance it's darker green and also the spines are little bitMoreAnd it is a slightly different in appearance it's darker green and also the spines are little bit larger. And it's also very neat the aerials.
What happens if you get pricked by a prickly pear cactus?
When you get prickled by a cactus, it will definitely hurt. Even after cactus spines are extracted from skin, you will feel pain in that area. That's because spines damage the tissue at the prickling spot and cause little cuts. Some spines, especially thin or barbed ones, are harder to remove and cause more pain.
Why are prickly pears a problem?
It overwhelmed native vegetation and farming land and it is estimated that by the early 20th century prickly pear had overrun more than 24 million hectares (60 million acres) across New South Wales and Queensland. In 1886 the New South Wales Government passed the Prickly-pear Destruction Act.
Which prickly pear is illegal?
Prickly pears (Opuntia species) are cactus plants that can invade natural areas and pastures. Opuntias must not be sold in NSW except for Indian fig Opuntia ficus-indica.
What is special about prickly pear cactus?
It's high in fiber, antioxidants and carotenoids. Indeed, prickly pear cactus is popular in many areas of the world, particularly Latin America, where it is a native plant. The edible parts are the leaves, flowers, stems and fruit. Prickly pear cactus is eaten whole (boiled or grilled).
Why do people take prickly pear cactus?
In people with type 2 diabetes, supplements made from one type of broiled prickly pear cactus stem may lower blood sugar levels. Early research shows that the supplements may lower blood sugar by 17% to 46% in some people. Only one species -- opuntia streptacantha -- had this effect.
Can you get prickly pear cactus naturally from foods?
People eat prickly pear cactus in sautés, omelets, salads, and many other dishes. Raw, it tastes like watermelon. People also make it into:
What are the risks?
Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with medications.
What Is Prickly Pear?
Prickly pear, which has the scientific name opuntia, is a member of the cactus (Cactaceae) plant family. This cactus, which is native to the Western Hemisphere but now grows around the world, can grow up to 18 feet high. It produces yellow, red or purple flowers and bright pink/red, spiky fruits.
Nutrition Facts
According to the USDA, 100 grams/3.5 ounces of prickly pear cactus contains about:
Benefits
Research studies have found prickly pear fruit and pods are rich in flavonoids, carotenoid and polyphenol antioxidants, as well as vitamin C. In certain studies, compounds that have been identified in this plant include: gallic acid, vanillic acid, catechins, betalain, betanin and indicaxanthin.
Uses
Prickly pear cactuses grow in many warm parts of the world, including in the Southwest U.S., Australia, southern Africa, Mexico and other Latin American countries, and throughout the Mediterranean. While this cactus is most widely grown for its edible fruit and paddles (or pads/nopales), just about every part of the plant can be used in some way.
How to Eat
Look for prickly pear in speciality stores, in the international section of major grocery stores, or in health food stores.
Recipes
What types of prickly pear recipes can you try at home? Here are some ideas:
Risks and Side Effects
Be careful when eating prickly pear, since small spikes may remain on the fruits and pods which can irritate the inside of the mouth.
Weight loss
The fiber in prickly pear cactus plants may aid weight loss by binding to dietary fat, increasing its excretion and reducing energy absorption ( 8, 9 ).
Skin and hair
Eating prickly pear is often boasted as a way to get glowing skin and shiny hair. Variations of prickly pear are even added to hair conditioners and skin care products.
Diabetes
Another possible benefit of prickly pear is its use in blood sugar management and diabetes complications.
Liver health
Prickly pear has been historically used to treat liver problems, and some modern studies back this idea.
Prickly Pear Care
Eastern prickly pear is an easy-to-care-for cactus, favored by desert dwellers and cool-weather gardeners alike. Its stems are divided into flat paddle-like segments that are approximately two to five inches long with a blue tint. The narrow spines are wedge-shaped and the flowers, which come into bloom in mid-summer, are a brilliant yellow.
Propagating Prickly Pear Cactus
While you can grow prickly pear from seeds, it can take up to three years to have a substantial plant, so propagation is often the preferred method. To do so, remove an individual pad from the mother cactus that's at least six months old. Allow the cut end to "heal" for at least a week, or until it scabs over.
Pests and Diseases
The most common problem when growing a cactus is giving it too much water, which can cause its shallow, fibrous roots to rot and the cactus to collapse. They're also susceptible to a variety of insect pests, including scale and mealybug, both of which can be treated with rubbing alcohol, neem oil, or, when very serious, a pesticide.
Identifying and Harvesting Cactus Fruit
Cactus fruit grows on the edges of the flat pads of the cactus, and are pear-shaped. They can range in color from green (less sweet) to red (very sweet) and orange shades in between.
Preparing the Cactus Fruit
First, you will need to get the glochids off so that you can handle the fruit. (If you purchase the fruit from a store, these glochids should already be removed.) The glochids can easily be burned off over an open flame. Grip a fruit with a pair of tongs or stick it on the end of a fork. Slowly turn the fruit over the open flame.
Cutting the Skin
Begin by slicing about one-quarter inch off of the ends of the fruit. Then take your knife and slice the skin of the fruit lengthwise across the top, about one-quarter inch down into the fruit.
Removing the Skin
Use your fingers to pull the skin back off of the fruit. The skin is thin on the outside, but has a thick layer underneath that comes off too. Peel all of the skin off so that you are left with just the interior pear-shaped piece of fruit.
Serving the Prickly Pear
Now that the skin is removed, you can slice up the prickly pear to eat. The prickly pear has small, hard seeds that you cannot bite through, but they are safe to swallow if you prefer. Or you can chew on the fruit and seeds and spit the seeds out. You can also use a juicer or strainer to remove the seeds.
Prickly Pear Plant Characteristics
Prickly pears are vigorously growing cactus with detachable spines which means they may not be suitable for every garden. The plants are perfect for the hot as a griddle areas of your garden. The plant is comprised of wide, flat, thick pads that are covered in spines and segmented stems.
Types of Prickly Pear
The wide range of cactus available for the home garden provide a plant for every warm season situation.
Planting Prickly Pear
The first thing to remember when planting prickly pear is to wear thick gloves and full length sleeves. It will be helpful to have a second pair of hands to keep the cactus stable when lowering it into the hole.
How to Grow a Prickly Pear
Prickly pears are easy to grow. They need well-drained soil and can survive on rainwater after established. During rooting, the plant should be irrigated every two or three weeks. When you choose a cactus, consider the size it will eventually become and plant it away from pathways and areas where people will brush against it.
