Cacti are among the oldest plants on Earth. Their homeland is considered to be South America and Mexico. These plants are more often than other houseplants used to decorate home interiors. Some are characterized by lush, beautiful blooms, and their sap is used to make medicines and alcoholic beverages.
Edible cactus fruits have long been used as a staple food by peoples of ancient civilizations. The berries and stems of some cactus varieties are still eaten today. Not only are they beneficial for health, but they also have excellent flavor. Preparing the fruits requires a special approach and adherence to a specific technique, which is essential for any cook preparing such dishes.
Species diversity of edible cacti and their fruits
The fruits of various members of the Cactaceae family have long been used in cooking, both fresh and as ingredients in a variety of dishes. Most species have a mild flavor. Edible cacti of some species are often used to make delicious jams, liqueurs, syrups, and molasses. The most common edible species of this plant include Opuntia, Mammillaria, Hylocereus, Selenicereus, and Schlumbergera.
You may be interested in:What is prickly pear?
An exotic plant from the Cactaceae family with red fruits used in cooking, it is also known as the Indian fig, prickly pear, Indian opuntia, or prickly pear. This species is distinguished by its fruits with delicious, juicy pulp. Originating in Mexico, this plant has become widespread. Today, it can be found in Mediterranean countries, Brazil, Chile, and Crimea.
Thus, the prickly pear is the most popular edible cactus. The fig variety is an upright shrub formed by flat stems. During flowering, single, large flowers appear. The plant's stems are covered with microscopic, transparent hooks (glochidia), resembling fluff.
If ingested, they can cause pathological changes that can be fatal. Skin contact can cause allergic reactions. Today, cacti are used in cooking, as a forage crop, and as a raw material for dye production. This plant contains a large amount of beneficial substances, including vitamin C, so not only the fruits, but also the stems and even the flowers are eaten.
Mammillaria
This cactus variety is distinguished by its edible fruits of various shapes and sizes, which can grow year-round alongside the flowers. They have a slightly tart taste when eaten raw and make a delicious jam. A distinctive morphological feature of this plant is the presence of numerous papillae on the stem, from the tips of which needles emerge. Flowers emerge in the axils between the needles.
Mammillaria can be oblong, round, disk-shaped, or spherical. The plant consists of a spiny, drooping stem, on which red, white, or yellow flowers bloom. A distinctive feature of the flower is its extensive root system. Its thick, fleshy roots are its signature feature.
You may be interested in:Hylocereus
This epiphyte is found in the wild on tree trunks in Vietnam. Hylocereus feeds on decaying leaves and dry branches. Its distinctive feature is its large flowers. The fruit of this plant is called pitahaya or pitahaya. They have a characteristic crimson skin with green scales and white flesh. Pitahaya is quite large, weighing up to one kilogram.
The fruits of this cactus are characterized by excellent taste and beneficial properties, which is why this crop is grown on an industrial scale. Rich in vitamins and minerals, they are recommended for hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and digestive disorders. The cactus is highly productive. Under normal conditions, it bears fruit 5-6 times a year. The largest exporters worldwide are Thailand and Vietnam.
Selenicereus
The name of this South American species translates as "queen of the night." Aerial roots and slender shoots are the cactus's distinctive features. Furthermore, this plant is characterized by very large, regal flowers that bloom exclusively at dusk.
Before the first rays of sun appear, they close. Flowering results in the formation of purple, egg-shaped fruits. They are characterized by juiciness, a pleasant aroma, and a distinct flavor. For eating, cut them in half, and enjoy this delicious, healthy fruit.
Schlumbergera
This epiphytic plant is called Zygocactus, which translates as "rocker." It received its main name in honor of a French cactus enthusiast. This species is native to the tropical forests of South America.
Its stems consist of small, flat segments with pointed edges. The plant blooms in early winter, delighting gardeners with beautiful flowers in white, pink, and red. It bears fruit in December, producing juicy, fleshy fruits resembling apricots.
How to eat prickly pear, or Indian fig
Fig stems, which have a cucumber-like flavor when young, are used for cooking. They are added to salads, soups, meat dishes, and liqueurs. These products are used to make marmalade, jams, and preserves. They are also eaten raw. Before eating prickly pears, they must be properly prepared.
Pulling out needles
When purchasing fruit at the store, avoid handling it with your hands. Special tools are available for this purpose. At home, when removing needles, it is recommended to use thick, durable rubber gloves. The fruit itself should be held in place with wide pliers.
Afterwards, thoroughly wipe the surface using a thick cloth folded several times. In some cases, you can freeze the prickly pear and then simply shake off the needles. An open flame can also be used to remove them.
You may be interested in:Peeling
The outer skin is tough, dense, and thick, so it needs to be removed. A sharp knife is best for this.
The entire skinning process consists of three stages:
- First, you need to cut off the opposite ends of the fruit.
- Make a neat longitudinal cut along the entire length.
- Take hold of the ends of the skin on both sides, pull and remove the skin.
The taste of fruits
Depending on the variety, prickly pears vary in taste and aroma. Although different fruits can be more sour or sweeter, they all share a common characteristic of being juicy and watery. They are enjoyed in both hot and cool climates.
This fruit is an excellent thirst quencher, so it's often used to make various beverages. The pulp has a consistency similar to grapes, as it contains small seeds. These can also be chewed and eaten. A unique feature of the fruit is its distinctive tart flavor. Its taste is often compared to strawberries, kiwis, or pears.
Prickly Pear Recipes
The fruits, stems, and leaves of this plant are rich in flavor, making them suitable for a variety of dishes. Parts of the prickly pear are stewed with meat, boiled, fried, pickled, and baked. Young leaves are most often used for cooking; they are carefully cleaned of needles with a knife and washed.
The easiest way to make scrambled eggs is with prickly pear. To do this, chop the cactus's leaf pads and then fry them in a pan. You can use butter or vegetable oil. Then beat in two chicken eggs, season with salt, and sprinkle with grated cheese.
To prepare marmalade, the pulp of the prickly pear fruit is used, which must be crushed and rubbed through a sieve.
This recipe requires the following ingredients:
- cactus puree – 400 g;
- dry salad seasoning – 1 tsp;
- gelatin – 1 tsp;
- sugar substitute (stevia) - ½ tsp;
- water – 50 g.
Step-by-step recipe:
- Heat the puréed prickly pear pulp over low heat until it comes to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Dissolve the gelatin in hot water. Add the solution to the pulp and bring to a boil.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Cool the mixture, pour into silicone molds, and refrigerate.
The beneficial properties of cactus fruits, contraindications and possible harm
Today, virtually every part of the plant is used. The fruits and stems are eaten and used in various cosmetic products. They are characterized by a high content of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial substances. The berry seeds are processed into flour or oil, and the flower petals are used as tea leaves. Cactus is also used to make glue and dye.
The shoots of this fig variety are used to treat diarrhea, gastritis, and stomach pain. A source of iron, phosphorus, calcium, and dietary fiber, dragon fruit stimulates the digestive system, helps with diabetes and hypertension, and lowers cholesterol.
Since ancient times, Central Americans have used Lophophora cactus powder to treat ulcers and wounds. This plant has been used to treat snake bites, spasms, cramps, and neuralgia. Rich in vitamin C, consuming this exotic product helps boost energy and immunity. Cacti used in the treatment of colds and to reduce body temperature.
Edible cacti can be eaten in small quantities without any problems. However, excessive consumption can cause allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. The microscopic, transparent, needle-like spines covering their surface pose a health risk. Direct contact with the skin can cause swelling and inflammation. Contact with mucous membranes is particularly dangerous, so it's important to keep small children away from the plant if it's kept indoors.
The main contraindication to cactus consumption is individual intolerance. This may manifest as a red or pink rash, headaches, and nausea. Cactus fruits stimulate metabolic processes and can therefore negatively impact chronic kidney and urinary tract conditions, including hemorrhoids. Therefore, consuming this product may exacerbate these conditions. To avoid negative consequences, it is best to avoid edible cacti in such cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Edible cacti are a valuable food source, containing essential vitamins, microelements, and nutrients. Prickly pear can also be grown indoors. Caring for the plant involves regular watering and fertilizing. However, indoor cacti rarely bear fruit and rarely bloom. Another drawback is rapid growth and loss of ornamental value.
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