List of edible cacti

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prickly pears

Captive Prickly Pear

== List of Edible Cacti ==

Cacti are a diverse group of plants that belong to the family Cactaceae. Many species of cacti are not only known for their unique appearance and ability to thrive in arid environments but also for their edible parts. The following is a list of some of the most commonly consumed cacti.

Opuntia

Opuntia, commonly known as prickly pear, is one of the most well-known edible cacti. The pads, known as nopales, and the fruit, known as tunas, are both edible. Nopales are often used in Mexican cuisine and can be eaten raw or cooked. The tunas are sweet and can be eaten fresh or used in jams and jellies.

Hylocereus

Hylocereus is the genus that produces the fruit known as pitaya or dragon fruit. The fruit is known for its vibrant color and sweet, mildly tangy flavor. It is commonly eaten fresh, added to smoothies, or used in desserts.

Selenicereus

Selenicereus is another genus that produces edible fruit, often referred to as queen of the night or moonflower cactus. The fruit is similar to that of Hylocereus and is also known as pitaya.

Cereus

Cereus species, such as the Peruvian apple cactus (Cereus repandus), produce edible fruits that are often referred to as apple cactus or Peruvian apple. The fruit is sweet and can be eaten fresh.

Echinocactus

Echinocactus species, such as the golden barrel cactus, produce edible seeds. The seeds can be roasted and eaten as a snack.

Stenocereus

Stenocereus species, such as the organ pipe cactus, produce fruit known as pitaya dulce. The fruit is sweet and can be eaten fresh or used in beverages.

Myrtillocactus

Myrtillocactus species, such as the blue myrtle cactus, produce small, edible berries known as garambullo. The berries are sweet and can be eaten fresh or used in jams.

Related Pages

• Cactaceae
• Nopales
• Tuna (fruit)
• Pitaya
• Peruvian apple cactus
• Echinocactus grusonii
• Stenocereus thurberi
• Myrtillocactus geometrizans