Cactuses are one kind of succulent plant that store water in their stems, leaves, or roots. They can be small, or medium-sized and some may even grow as tall as trees. Cactus has a water storing capability that makes them ideal for water sources. Generally, cactus grow in hot, dry places. They are common to the people of Mexico and the southwestern United States. Cactuses are nutritious and a great source of hydration, especially if you live in a desert area.
Nearly all types of cacti are edible, the actual meat of most cacti can also be eaten after removing spines. But there are sorts of types of cacti that look edible but actually are not. If you dare to have them then you may have to deal with some severe consequences. Every year we get news of some people who suffered from mild diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal fullness, the reason goes to inedible cactus. So, we need to be cautious about some types of cactus, which are not edible and cause several skin problems.
Key Takeaways
- Cacti are a great source of food as they contain nutrients like vitamin C, Vitamin E, and calcium.
- Most of the cactuses are edible while some bring threat to our health and home.
- Cactuses should be kept away from kids and pets as these species can occur several injuries.
Is All Cactus Fruit Edible?
These days, people are eating every sort of thing that they had never even thought of in past decades. Technically, almost all types. Cactuses contain rich nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, and calcium, which regulate blood sugar, boost immune systems, and control cholesterol. Cactus has been a great source of food for centuries in most regions of the United States and Mexico. The edible parts of the plant are fruit, flower, and seeds.
The direct answer to this question is, no. Not all types of cacti are edible. There are some cacti that contain mescaline (which is also a forbidden substance in many nations), a psychedelic hallucinogen.
Cactus That Are Inedible
There are about 2,000 different kinds of cactuses found in the world. But not all of them are edible. Some cause severe problems to our bodies, they are regarded as inedible.
San Pedro Cactus
San Pedro cactus (Scientific name: Echinopsis Pachanoi) is one of the poisonous cactus that belongs to the cactacea cactus family. This cactus can grow quickly, and can rise as high as 20 feet. This cactus is poisonous to humans and also to pets.
Peyote Cactus
The peyote cactus (Scientific name: Lophophora williamsii) is one of the tiny members of the cactus family Cactacea. This one can be found in both Mexico and Texas. Interesting fact that this slow-growing succulent doesn’t have spines and has a limited growth ratio. If you have children or pets, keep them away from this cactus. This plant produces a psychotropic high and extreme quantities may occur dangerous situation. After two hours, you’ll feel the effect of this cacti. It can cause changes in perception, cognition, and consciousness and can also swing your mood. Peyote Cactus is poisonous to humans and pets also.
In North America, this little peyote cactus is famed for its spiritual and medical use. Consumption of it can lead to hallucinations and serious psychological effects. This is definitely not something you want your children and pets to consume as they could be harmful.
Fishhook Barrel Cactus
Generally, the Fishhook barrel cactus (Scientific name: Ferocactus wislizeni) are found in the Sonoran Desert in southwest Arizona. They grow up to 10 feet in height and can be more than a meter. This cactus has numerous ribs and long spines. Barrel cactus carries a toxic secret in its flesh, which can cause temporary paralysis. Among local wildlife, it is quite a favorite. Fishhook Barrel Cactus is a great ornamental plant due to its unique appearance and vibrancy. Don’t forget to admire its beauty without getting too close.
The Peruvian Torch
The Peruvian Torch is famous for its long, sharp spines and can grow up as tall six feet high with greenish-yellow flowers on top of its stem. It contains complex alkaloids in it and also some toxic qualities. If it is ingested in high amounts, it can cause severe nausea and vomiting, which is associated with psychotic breakdowns.
✨ You May like: Are Bonnie Plants Good?
Canary Islands
one of the poisonous cactus in the cactus species is Canary Island Cactus. The stems of this cactus are straight and long, and they grow to a height of three meters. The Canary Islands Cactus is a toxic plant and not consumable. Consuming Canary Island cactus can cause liver damage and death if ingested in significant quantities.
Bolivian Torch Cactus
Bolivian Torch Cactus (Scientific name: Echinopsis Lageniformis) is another cactus variety that’s not edible because of its toxicity and psychedelic side effects. This one is a fast-growing columnar cactus with greenish-to-bluish stems that usually have four to eight ribs. The stems grow up to 16.4 feet tall and up to 8 inches in diameter. Because of its bitter taste and psychedelic side effects the Bolivian torch is not an edible cactus. This plant contains high amounts of mescaline and triggers visual and auditory hallucinations when ingested.
So as you can see, some of these cacti can cause damage to your body one way or the other when you eat them, making them quite inedible for human consumption.
Cactus That Are Edible
Where some cacti are inedible, there are some which are edible and quite nutritious! Here bringing some edible cactus that are beneficial for your health and also for your home sweet home.
Prickly Pear
Prickly pear is not only a beautiful plant, but it is also edible. Both the pads and the fruit are edible. In Indiana, this cactus is easy to find.
The fruits can be eaten after removing the skin. Many jellies, candies, and other sweets are made from the fruit. Some people also snack on the fleshy pads of the plant. For thousands of years, prickly pear cactus has been a Mexican and Central American dietary staple. The nopal of prickly pear is often treated as a vegetable. There is a growing interest in eating prickly pear in some parts of the United States.
Dragon Fruit Cactus
Dragon fruit cactus is not only an attractive plant but it’s also edible and delicious. In Mexico, Central and South America this one is popular. The dragon fruit gets its name for its beautiful leathery skin and scaly-looking spikes. In Central America, it’s called pitaya or pitahaya, and in Asia, it’s often referred to as a strawberry pear.
The red variety of dragon fruit is free of spikes or thorns, while the yellow variety has thorns on the skin.
Saguaro Cactus
Saguaro cactus fruit is similar to prickly pear fruit. Fresh saguaro fruit is very sweet and full of antioxidant vitamins and minerals. It is high in protein and fats, and also has a nutlike flavor. It is pulpy and loaded with tiny seeds.
To eat it raw, slice it in half and scoop out the pulp. You can use it for jams and jellies.
Saguaro fruit seeds are eaten raw or dried and ground into flour.
Cholla Cactus
Cholla Cactus is one kind of fleshy berry that contains many seeds. It contains proper nutrients and vitamins. All the buds and fruits of the cholla are edible but only after you remove the deadly spikes. Because the needle-sharp spines could be dangerous if they get stuck in your mouth or throat, and can lead you to severe injury.
Peruvian Apple Cactus
Peruvian apple cactus is often regarded as a relative to the dragon fruit. The Peruvian apple cactus bears thorn-less fruit. It looks stunning for its towering, tree-like height and bright sweet fruit. Compared to dragon fruit, tasty landscapes found slight differences in appearance, taste, and texture, with Peruvian apple fruit having a fluffy and a mild flavor reminiscent of sugarcane. The fruit of the Peruvian apple cactus can be eaten raw or as an addition to smoothies and salad.
3 Reasons Why You Should Eat Cactus
Cactus fruits are an excellent source of vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and potassium. In many parts of America, it is used or eaten for health benefits.
- Heart-healthy fruit: Like other heart-healthy fruits Avocado, Berries, and papaya, cactuses are regarded as heart-healthy superfoods. Cactus fruit is associated with lower total cholesterol levels, though it’s not clear whether the effects are related to the fruit, leaves, or both. Many cactus fruits contain high betalain content. Researchers found that betalain fights as a potential of antioxidant, anti-cancer, and cardiovascular. It is found in other heart-healthy fruits and vegetables like beets and dragon fruit.
- Contain vitamins and minerals: For chronic disease prevention, eating a variety of vitamins and minerals is necessary. Like many other green vegetables, cactuses are a good source of potassium, fiber, and also calcium. The prickly pear is a rich source of micronutrients, potassium, and vitamin C.
- Help to lower blood sugar: Prickly pear cactus helps to lower blood sugar and cholesterol level. Some research found that prickly pear lessens the unpleasant effects of a hangover, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory effects.
- A recent review showed that eating nopal at mealtimes may have a hypoglycemic effect, which means it helps to lower your blood sugar after your meal.
Remember, before taking these as a treatment, it is always best to follow a physician’s advice.
Is Cactus Safe for Home and Children?
Cacti are famous as great indoor plants, but they are not always safe. Growing a cactus inside your house not only makes your indoor spaces beautiful but also gives a refreshing aura to your home. Some cacti look pretty and attractive but they can transmit bad energy at home.
Although most cacti species are safe for both kids and pets because their toxicity levels are low, those spines and needles are dangerous. There are a few species that can apparently pose danger to your kids, which are poisonous and harmful. There are some types of cacti that can cause irritation to your kid’s skin or your pets, irritation occurs when your child or pet is pricked by the cactus spines. Or if they accidentally swallow the cactus thorn.
That’s why we recommend you, if you have kids or pets in your home then keep that cactus out of their reach.
FAQs
Most cacti are technically edible but only after removing the spines. Those spines may occur severe difficulties.
Yes, cactus soil can be used for other plants.While cacti have unique watering requirements, their soil is still a good mix for other plants that prefer well-draining, nutrient-poor soil.However, it’s essential to adjust the soil’s pH level and nutrient content according to the specific needs of the other plants you’re growing.
Dragon fruit is a vibrant-colored and sweet-tasting fruit that belongs to Cactaceae family. It is widely cultivated in Central America and Vietnam. Dragon fruit is popular in southeast Asia for its sweet flavor and rich look.
Most cactus species contain acids and potent alkaloids. These chemicals are highly dangerous for most humans. If their spines are not completely removed, may occur several injuries.
Don’t be surprised, most cacti can be eaten raw and you don’t even need any preparation at all. But make sure the spines are removed completely because they can lead you to further injury and wound.
Final Thoughts
Cacti have been used for thousands of years for a multitude of purposes. There main defense mechanism is being as non-edible as possible to deter animals from eating them. That is why most cacti are non-edible because they will cause harm to the body. However, there are some cactus that are edible and quite nutritious! So eating these edible cactus is able to give you many health benefits but having the wrong one may lead you to severe consequences. So be sure to check out what type of cactus you are growing to see if you have the edible one or not! Have fun with your cactus plants!
✨ Next Attraction: Why Are My Marigold Seeds Not Germinating?