Are cacti safe to eat?

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Prickly Pear Cactus

Prickly pears are a group of about 180 cacti species that fall under the genus Opuntia. Both the pads and fruits of the prickly pear can be eaten. 

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Cholla Cactus

This particular type of cactus is unique in that its most common edible part is the flowers - not the leaves or the fruits.

Dragon Fruit Cactus

Dragon Fruit Cactus is beloved by Central American natives for its edible stems, flowers, and fruits. The stems can be tough to chew but you can blend them to make a smoothie. 

Barrel Cactus

Characterized by its distinctively large and stiff spines, the barrel cactus has edible flowers, fruits, and pads/stems. 

Saguaro Cactus

The saguaro cactus is renowned for its edible fruits and seeds. It can be eaten raw or made into jam, wine, and syrup.

Is cactus a vegetable?

Cactus is both a fruit and a vegetable. The edible, succulent pads (nopales) are considered vegetables, while the production of fruiting flower buds also makes it a fruit. 

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