Cacti are found in all parts of the world, even in places that do not reach freezing temperatures. You might be shocked to discover that despite its vicious appearance, it has many benefits for survival.
You can eat cacti in most cases, but some are poisonous to humans. Eating the fruits and pads, whether raw or cooked, will not harm you.
In a survival situation, cacti fruits can be a source of hydration and nutrients.The fruits are all edible, and you can sometimes eat an entire cactus without any side effects. Knowing how to prepare and identify cacti can be life-saving.Take a closer look at this plant and how it can be used in survival situations.
Can All Cacti be eaten?
Most cacti aren’t edible but there are a few that are. They are highly prized for their health benefits.
Eatable Parts
Fruits grow at the end of each arm or the top of a plant.All true cacti have edible fruit that can be eaten either cooked or raw.
You can eat the pads of some edible cacti like cholla and the leaves, such as the prickly pear.
What parts of the plant are toxic?
There is always some risk in eating large amounts of any plant due to minute traces.
The parts of the cactus that are edible do not contain toxic substances that you should avoid, but they have a very unpleasant taste.
The majority of cacti contain oxalic acids which are toxic for humans. After ingesting oxalic acids, they react with calcium to produce calcium oxalates.If you eat too many edible cacti, you may get sick.
Which Common Cactus Plants are Edible?
You can find dragon fruit and prickly pear in supermarkets, but they also grow wild in warm regions around the globe.You can survive by eating cactus in nature.
Dragon Fruit
Yellow dragon fruits have spikes and must be cleaned before consumption. These fruits are found hanging off the tops of the tall leaves.
You can eat it by cutting the fruit into half and eating the black-seeded white centre. It has a sweet-to-sour, mild taste.When you are dehydrated or low on energy, this fruit will save you.
Barrel Cactus
Harvest this plant with care! The barrel cactus can grow up to three meters tall in certain regions. You can see fruit on top of the barrel cactus if you look at it from below.
Fruit looks like mini pineapples, with dried flowers on top.Grab the fruit, twisting it to remove the spikes. Cut it in half and enjoy the lemony taste.Vitamin A and vitamin C are found in the fruit of a barrel-cactus.
Prickly Pear Cactus
You can enjoy the fruit as well as the pad of the prickly cactus. Around the edge of the pad you will see multiple red and yellow fruits, also known as tunas.
Break off the pad with fruits, open up fruit and consume red seeds. The pad can be eaten in slices.
Remove any hairs or spikes from the pads and fruit before eating. Too many cacti pad can cause stomach upset.
Saguaro Cactus
It is protected under Arizona law, but in an emergency situation your survival comes first.A dried flower is present at the top of the fruit, which can range from green to red.You may have to work hard, but you’ll be able to harvest the saguaro with a dead one.
To reap the fruits benefits, cut the fruit open and consume the seedsed tangy interior. You will feel hydrated immediately after eating it.
Cholla Cactus
Cholla Cactus Fruit is Edible. Before entering, protect yourself against the sharp spikes.Spikes cover the small, yellow-to-red fruit. It is at the end of a large arm that is covered with spikes.
To break the skin, twist and hold it with tongs. Before eating, remove the spines by scraping them or burning them over an open fire.
Chia Sage
Chia Sage is a completely edible plant that looks nothing like a typical cactus.The leaves look similar to dandelion-like leaves. It grows in shrubs or as an individual plant of up to 2 feet tall, with a stalk that is topped with a ball of spikes and tiny purple flowers.
Chia Pet Seeds are seeds that come from this plant. They contain a lot of nutrients and give you an energy boost after eating.
Avail
The Agave resembles an aloe with a large tree at the center. Colors of this plant can range from vibrant dark green to blue. The fruit grows at the top of the tree.
All parts of the agave are edible. The agave plant has a dry quality, so it is typically boiled first before eating. However, the soft buds can be eaten while the buds are still warm.
This is the best cactus for those who are looking to reduce their calorie intake. A cup of agave has more calories than a pepperoni-topped pizza.
Cactus: How to Eat and Harvest It in Survival Situations
In a survival situation, only some of these techniques will be useful.
It’s important to pick quickly but be careful as some varieties have spines that can cause pain.
Harvesting
To harvest cacti, you will need to protect yourself from the hairs and spikes. This may include body protection, arm and hand coverings, and long-reaching or tongs.
If the fruit has spikes, it is best to let it fall on the ground rather than catch it.
You can either use a blade to remove the cactus pad or pull the pad against its direction of growth.
Raw vs. Raw
You can eat the cactus in any form, whether it’s raw or cooked. If you’re in a survival situation, the best thing to do is eat the cactus as it grows. This can be done by simply cutting the cactus open and eating its insides.
Raw cactus is easier to prepare and contains all of the nutrition.You can also roast the fruit, seeds or pads over an open fire to make a warming dish. You can also boil the seeds in soup or water.
You can use these options to stay warm and avoid toxicity.
Cactus is a healthy food.
The cacti can be used externally and internally for medicinal purposes. Cacti fruit is available in many health food stores and can be a delicious addition to nutrient-rich diets.This plant is a great source of energy, carbohydrates, proteins, and water.
Average Calories
Cacti have an average of 200 calories per cup. The range of calories is 40 to 680, with the prickly pear being among the lowest.One cup of cacti will provide you with enough calories to last for an hour.
Minerals and Nutrients
Cactus plants are rich in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Some nutrients are specific to certain species of cacti, while the majority are found in all species.
Here’s a breakdown so that you can understand what your body is eating:
| Prickly Pear Cactus | Vitamin C Vitamin B6 Magnesium Calcium |
| Dragon Fruit | Antioxidants Vitamin C Iron Magnesium |
| Saguaro Cactus | Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Fiber Protein |
| Cholla Cactus | Omega-3 Fatty Acids Protein Antioxidants Fiber |
Cacti Edibles FAQ
There are many questions about eating cacti. This is a one-stop shop for frequently asked questions about eating cacti.
What are the health benefits of eating raw cactus?
Raw cactus has many health benefits. Make sure to eat the right species of cactus in order to avoid stomach upset and toxicity.
Can I drink the water of a cactus plant?
You can indeed drink the cactus-water. Drink in small quantities to avoid stomach upset.
What types of cacti cannot be eaten?
San Pedro, Bolivian and Peyote are non-edible due to alkaloids.