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). It is also made into juice and jams.
Full Answer
What can prickly pear cactus be used for?
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. Historically, there have been many uses for prickly pear fruits, juices, teas, pads and seeds in folklore and traditional medicines. Some examples of how this plant was used include:
Can you eat a prickly pear?
eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. The prickly pear (Opuntia spp.), also known as nopal, is a cactus you can eat as a vegetable in a variety of dishes, or you can use the fruits as a beverage, jelly or candy.
Where do prickly pear cactuses grow?
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.
What is the nutritional value of prickly pear cactus?
According to the USDA, 100 grams/3.5 ounces of prickly pear cactus contains about: 1. Has Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects Research studies have found prickly pear fruit and pods are rich in flavonoids, carotenoid and polyphenol antioxidants, as well as vitamin C.
See more
What does prickly pear eat?
0:315:04How to Eat Cactus Fruit (Prickly Pear) | Taste Test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey're full enough full of antioxidants. They support liver health they help to fight inflammation.MoreThey're full enough full of antioxidants. They support liver health they help to fight inflammation. They're high in vitamin C and other things like calcium magnesium potassium.
What do prickly pear cactus need to survive?
Like all cacti, the prickly pear needs dry conditions, well-draining soil, and lots of sunlight to thrive. Make sure they are getting the sunniest, driest spot in your garden when planting outdoors. "If you're growing your plant indoors, make sure your pot has holes in the bottom for drainage," Churchill says.
Is prickly pear cactus safe to eat?
Prickly Pear (Opuntia) is a very flexible food source. Both the pads (nopales) and the fruit (tunas) are edible, but caution should be taken with both harvesting and preparation.
What do prickly pear eat in the desert?
0:4611:35Desert Survival Food: Prickly Pear Cactus (Nopales) -Junkyard FoxYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipA lot of Native American tribes it was a staple dish for them Mexican cuisine same thing. It's youMoreA lot of Native American tribes it was a staple dish for them Mexican cuisine same thing. It's you know commonly eaten out here with your eggs or stir-fry in salads even in the Mediterranean.
How often do you water prickly pear?
every two to four weeksPrickly pears are extremely drought tolerant. Don't water newly propagated pads for the first month. After that, water every two to four weeks for the first year — twice a month in summer and once a month other times of the year. In most areas, rainfall will be enough to sustain established plants.
How long does a prickly pear cactus live?
They are known to live well over 20 years. There are several different varieties of prickly pear cactus each growing to different sizes. The most common species in the Sonoran Desert is the Engelmann prickly pear which grows up to 5 feet tall and can grow to a width of 10-15 feet.
Are prickly pears poisonous?
The Prickly Pear has spines on its pads as well but these do not have any toxins like those found inside other types to make them more dangerous than others – this plant only contains latex sap from their stems (which will irritate your skin).
Can you drink cactus water?
Is cactus water safe to drink? Cactus is not a safe substitute for potable water. Drinking cactus water on an empty stomach will give you diarrhea or make you vomit, therefore dehydrating you even more. This is because the moisture inside of the cactus pulp is highly acidic.
How many prickly pears can I eat a day?
Eat no more than 2 in one session per day. Drink plenty of water (2 litres a day) whether you are eating prickly pears or not. NB People who suffer from colitis, Çrohn's disease or diverticulitis should avoid prickly pears due to the small edible seeds they contain.
Can you eat cactus to survive?
These chemicals are usually too acrid for most humans to tolerate and are taxing on the kidneys if ingested. The flesh of some cactus species can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, or temporary paralysis—none of which is conducive to your survival in an emergency situation.
What is unique about the prickly pear cactus?
The Prickly Pear Cactus is Protected by sharp spines it is actually a tender and delicious treat. This family contains about 1,800 species most all are can be found today. The Prickly Pear Cactus can survive the freezing temperatures of the north because of special antifreeze chemicals in its cells.
What is cactus food?
Cacti fertilizer requirements are pretty simple. Any good houseplant food (diluted to half) that's higher in phosphorus than nitrogen is a good choice. A 5-10-5 solution can work well. Now that you know that they really do need fertilizer, it's also important to know when to feed cactus plants.
How much sun does a prickly pear cactus need?
4-6 hoursCultivation. Indoors prickly pears need a brightly lit position, preferably a south-facing or west-facing aspect or grown in a conservatory or heated greenhouse with good, all-round light. They need 4-6 hours of direct sunshine in summer.
What is the best soil for prickly pear cactus?
Soil. For the prickly pear to thrive, it needs to be planted in well-draining soil. Your best bet is a mixture that is dry, sandy, or gravelly, but it can also do well in a mixture that is primarily clay, so long as it drains very well and the soil does not retain much moisture.
Are prickly pear cactus easy to grow?
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.
Can prickly pear survive winter?
Prickly pear (opuntia) It thrives in sandy soil and seldom needs to be watered in the winter. It's hardy down to climate zone four, so it's a go-to for cacti enthusiasts who live in colder regions.
Are all prickly pear cactus edible?
All prickly pears (cacti in the genus opuntia) are edible, though you may find that many varieties are not as tasty, have more spines or seeds than...
What kind of cactus can you eat?
All prickly pear varieties are edible, saguaro cactus fruit is edible (though not easy to come by), organ pipe cactus and barrel cactus fruit is ed...
Can you eat prickly pear cactus raw?
Yes, both the pads and fruit can be eaten raw, just be sure to carefully remove the spines before eating if they haven't been removed.
Ingredients
Buy or forage some prickly pear pads. See Warnings. There's a reason it's called the prickly pear cactus.
Tips
The flavor of prickly pears has been compared to kiwi, but not as acidic.
Warnings
Some species of prickly pear cactus don't have spines, but all have glochids.
About This Article
wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 65 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 1,616,544 times.
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.
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.
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.
Overview
Prickly pear cactus is a plant. It is part of the diet in Mexican and Mexican-American cultures and is also used for medicine.
How does it work ?
Prickly pear cactus might lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels by decreasing the absorption of sugar and cholesterol in the stomach and intestine.
