Totally Yes. Cactus are usually very dry and thorny so it’s normal to ask if you can eat cactus. You must know that cacti are very commonly used plants in Mexican cooking. They are very edible and yummy too. So today let’s explore more about ” can you eat cactus and how”?
What Are Edible Cacti?
There are a lot of cactus types that people use in culinary recipes. Some of them are
- Prickle pear, a very commonly used cactus, that have thorns all over it. (you mostly see it in cartoons). In prickly pear, the nopales pads are used in cooking. They have a tart and green bean-like flavour. The texture is usually crisp so they are ideal for soups etc.
- Prickly pear cactus also has a fruit that is sweet like a bubblegum. It is used in many desserts and sweet recipes like Jams, jellies juices etc.
Nutritional Benefits Of Cactus
- Cactus is loaded with nutrients. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
- Being a plant, it is also very rich in fibre which is great for digestion.
- Moreover, cacti also have antioxidants that keep our cells healthy and young to the core.
- Cacti are very good for weight loss because of their low-calorie and high-fibre content.
- Prickly pear is very good for diabetic people. it lowers blood sugar and keeps it normal.
- Being high in fibre makes it a good choice for people who have irregular bowel movements and digestion issues.
- The antioxidants in cacti also help reduce inflammation in the body.
How to Cook And Eat Cactus?
Cactus is very easy to cook and clean however, it needs careful handling. Wear a glove before removing thorns and wash it well in the water. Then you have to gently remove the skin. Peel off and you will see the inner part just like Aleo vera. Cut the cactus into cubes to use them in recipes.
To cook cactus boil it well until it is soft and tender. Boiling also makes a slimy texture. If you grill the slices it can give a smoky flavour. Sauteing it in onions, tomatoes and spices make a yummy add-on. Cactus can also be consumed raw. Just slice it, make cubes and add in salads.
For a very famous Nopalitos Salad, here is a quick recipe for you.
- Sliced nopales
- tomatoes
- onions
- cilantro
- lime juice and
- salt.
Just mix all ingredients in a bowl and serve chilled.
You can also make a cactus smoothie. Take Prickly pear fruit, banana, yoghurt, honey, and ice and blend all the ingredients until smooth.
Side Effects of Eating Cactus
Cactus can trigger allergic reactions in some people. If you experience itching, swelling or digestive discomfort, it can be a symptom of an allergic reaction.
Eating cactus in large amounts may cause bloating or diarrhoea. So if you plan to eat cacti, try to consume it in small amounts first and gradually increase it.
Are Any Cactus Poisonous to Humans?
Yes, many types of cactus are not safe to consume. Usually, it is safe to eat cactus but there are a few toxic types that you need to look for. Here are the poisonous cacti that must be avoided:
- Peyote is a type of cactus that contains psychoactive alkaloids. You must consume it in supervised and controlled amounts.
- San Pedro cactus has a psychoactive substance called mescaline.
- Some spiny cacti have so sharp spines and thorns that they can cause cuts and injury if mishandled.
Can You Eat Cactus from the Desert?
Well, what are you? lost? alone in the desert? Ok, feel free to eat cacti because usually they are safe to eat. Some popular desert cacti are prickly pear cactus and saguaro cactus.
Can You Eat Cactus Fruit, Seeds And Skin?
Cactus fruit is ok to eat but cactus skin is not recommended. The Cactus fruit of prickly pear is very sweet and juicy. However, cactus skin is usually thick and full of spikes. It can irritate your mouth and digestive tract and can be dangerous too. Also, the skin is thick and tough so it can be hard to digest. Try to peel off the skin before cooking the cactus.
Cactus seeds are also edible. They are hard and crunchy. Some people do throw them away but swallowing them is safe. They are just like seeds of berries. If you have swallowed them, they will pass out in digestion.
Many people confuse pear seeds with prickly pear seeds. Pear seeds of pear fruit release cyanide so they must be consumed in very limited quantities. However, prickly pear seeds are safe to consume.
Cactus pear seeds also have lots of benefits.
- They are rich in nutrition and have fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
- Cactus pear seeds have a high fibre content.
- They are rich in antioxidants.
In short, it is safe to eat some types of cactus. You can consume their fruits and seeds and it is advisable to throw off the skin.