Description

This familiar cactus is a staple food in many parts of the world. The pads (leaves) and fruit are both edible. Stir fry the pads; they taste a little like green beans. Mix with mushrooms for a meaty dish. Fruit is sweet and considered a delicacy in Mexico. This cactus can get 12+ feet tall but can easily be trimmed back and controlled. It is spineless, but sometimes has small, irritating hairs on the pads. We grow this in the middle of our food forest under trees, or in full sun; it's happy everywhere, with little or no care needed.