Can you actually eat the fruit of a cactus?

Can you eat cactus fruit? Recently I've noticed that many people are unclear about this question, and some friends even think the fruit of a cactus is “dragon fruit”, which is not entirely correct. So it's worth taking a closer look at cacti and their fruit.

What is the fruit of a cactus?

The fruit of a cactus is simply called cactus fruit, the fruit of plants in the genus Opuntia. The flesh is rich in trace elements, protein, amino acids, vitamins, polysaccharides, flavonoids and pectin. The ancient book “Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicine” records that cactus fruit has the effects of promoting the flow of qi and blood circulation, removing dampness and reducing fever, and promoting tissue regeneration; Native Americans and Mexicans used cactus fruit as both food and medicine.

Can you eat the fruit of a cactus?

Cactus fruit is edible, and its taste is fairly refreshing, but not every kind can be eaten. Make sure to check whether it is an edible cactus, and do not eat just any of them.

What are the benefits of cactus fruit?

Cactus fruit is very beneficial: it can promote the expansion and regeneration of normal human fibroblasts, and it is of great significance for healing both internal and epidermal wounds.

Cactus fruit extract has the remarkable effects of accelerating wound healing, making the skin soft and delicate, preventing dry skin and reducing wrinkles, because cactus fruit is rich in antioxidants, riboflavin and thiamine (vitamin B1), making it an excellent nutrient for moisturizing and caring for the skin. It is an indispensable plant.