If you think cacti are all spiny and have no substance, then—these 5 cactus with fruits are prickly on the outside, and juicy on the inside
When we hear the word cactus, our brain immediately paints a picture of a spiky plant toughing it out under the scorching sun. But not all cacti fit that dry and prickly stereotype, some actually produce juicy, flavorful fruits! Let’s explore those that bear edible ones and trust us, these plants are full of surprises!
Cactus With Fruits
1. Prickly Pear
Botanical name: Opuntia ficus – indica
This is one of the most common fruit-bearing cacti, and it’s quite the multitasker. Opuntia cactus grows bright yellow flowers that later turn into oval fruits called cactus pears or tunas, which can come in white, yellow, or reddish-purple shades. Fruits are edible and used in everything from juices and jams to marmalades.
They’re so rich in dietary fiber and betalains, those same antioxidants found in beets. What’s cool is that the plant itself can stay low to the ground or grow as tall as a tree depending on the variety.
2. Dragon Fruit
Botanical name: Hylocereus spp.
You’ve probably seen this one in fancy smoothies or fruit bowls. Dragon fruit grows on a climbing cactus that blooms with huge white flowers at night that are pollinated by bats and moths, no less! The fruit has vibrant red or pink skin with white or pink flesh speckled with tiny black seeds.
Its mildly sweet taste is a bit like a mix between kiwi and watermelon. Not only is it tasty and full of nutrients, but the plant itself also looks stunning in gardens and is loved by pollinators and birds alike.
3. Peruvian Apple Cactus
Botanical name: Cereus repandus
Now, this tall cactus from South America is quite the giver. It grows in dry tropical areas and produces sweet fruits known as Peruvian apples, usually two to three years after planting. The fruits are harvested in summer and are loaded with Vitamin C and beta-carotene.
Besides feeding people, this cactus is also used as a living fence, animal feed, and even in traditional medicine. It’s one of those plants that seems to have a solution for everything!
4. Organ Pipe Cactus
Botanical name: Stenocereus thurberi
As the name hints, this cactus looks like a bunch of green pipes shooting out of the ground. It’s native to the Sonoran Desert and blooms with white flowers at night during late spring to early summer. Soon after, it produces bright red or purple fruits filled with black seeds.
So the flavor is like a juicy mix of watermelon, berries, and kiwi. People enjoy these fruits fresh or use them in syrups, drinks, jams, or even ferment them into wine. And here’s a fun fact desert tribes have been harvesting these fruits for centuries!
5. Saguaro Cactus
Botanical name: Carnegiea gigantea
This is the giant of the desert—literally. The Saguaro can grow up to 60 feet tall and live for over 150 years. In late spring, it blooms with large white flowers, and by summer, it produces sweet red fruits filled with tiny black seeds.
The fruits are edible and packed with healthy fats and protein. Indigenous communities traditionally use them to make syrup, jam, non-alcoholic drinks, and even flour from the seeds. This cactus doesn’t just stand tall, it just stands proud as a vital part of desert life.
So next time you’re in the desert or even just at a farmer’s market, don’t pass up on cactus fruits. They’re sweet, refreshing, and totally unexpected.
Have you ever tasted one of these fruity cacti? Do you have a recipe or experience to share? Drop your stories in the comments!
