Cactus Uses

The cactus, or cacti, is a desert plant that typically thrives in dry areas where moisture is scarce. Although some species can be found in jungles, where they sit atop trees to get the most sunlight. The cactus has the ability to store water in its body for extended periods keeping them alive during droughts or in the dry season. These plants commonly grow spikes around their bodies to protect them from predators or any animal that might see them as a good source for food and water.

Cactus serve many purposes, both in the wild and in your home. Certain cactus species are promoted as food sources, being rich in vitamins and minerals, while some are best appreciated as decorative elements on your window pane and adding life and beauty to dull walls. Below are some uses of cacti and how they can be used:

Food Source

Cacti are cultivated in various regions around the world as a source of food. Among the different cactus species, the prickly pear stands out as the most common cactus food source. It bears fruits that are purple or red in color. The prickly pear is not only consumed as fresh fruit, but is also turned into a jam or powdered and used as a food supplement in Mexico. In the USA, it is turned into a refreshing drink.

Health Benefits of Cacti

• Rich in Antioxidants – Cacti are abundant in molecules that help neutralize harmful radicals in our bodies and reduce damage due to oxidation. These molecules are commonly known as antioxidants and are found in most plants. The juice from a red-purple prickly pear cactus has a high amount of antioxidants.
• High in Fiber – Certain types of cacti are high in fiber, making them beneficial for regulating blood sugar levels and promoting healthy bowel movements. 
• Low Sugar Content – Due to cacti’s lower content of sugar, they would make a good addition to your diet. A low sugar diet can improve one’s overall health and help prevent the onset of lifestyle diseases like diabetes. 
• Good Source of Linolenic Acid – A fatty acid found in fish oil, which is also associated with omega-3, is found in cacti and is said to help prevent heart disease and arthritis.
• Rich in Vitamin C – Vitamin C is known as a strong antioxidant that helps strengthen your immune system. Humans require a healthy amount of this nutrient in their body. The fruits that the prickly pear bear contain around one hundred eighty to three hundred grams of vitamin C.
• Good Source of Pectin  – The prickly pear cactus contains fiber and pectin, a nutrient that aids in reducing blood glucose levels by limiting the absorption of sugar in the stomach and intestines.

How to Prepare Cactus as a Food Source

Cacti can be prepared in different ways, adding unique flavors to many different dishes, including desserts like yogurt or smoothies. Some prefer to fry cacti, some people sauté, while others grill them. They are best served having a crunchy texture. Be careful not to overcook the cactus as they will have a slimy texture. Below are a few suggestions on how to prepare cactus pads as a meal:

• Boiling – This way of preparing cactus might be one of the easier ways to prepare cactus as you just let it cook in boiling water. Replace the water as the sap coming from cactus pads causes the liquid to thicken. Once finished, drain the pads and rinse them off with cold water. You can chop them up and mix them with onions, cilantro, and other ingredients to create the perfect Mexican salad.
• Grilling – When grilling, make sure to season your cactus pads well using salt and pepper. Once your pads are slightly brown in color and  tender when touched, they are ready to be taken off the fire. You can add a pinch of salt or cover your grilled cactus in olive oil and squeezed lemon to really bring out their taste.
• 2. Ornamental Pieces

Ornamental Pieces

Christmas Cactus

This cactus is popular despite blooming only in the winter. The Christmas cactus is small, therefore making it a great way to decorate small rooms and living areas. If you plan on displaying the Christmas cactus during the holidays with flowers blooming, it is best to keep them in a room with no nightlight for six weeks prior. 

A great cactus to keep indoors, the star cactus, or also called the starfish or sea urchin cactus is commonly used as decoration for rooms. It blooms a yellow or white flower at the top of its body.

Moon Cactus

The moon cactus is a great example of an ornamental cactus. The bright red cactus that grows on top of its body is a real eye-catcher. This plant is actually grafted from two different cacti, explaining how a red ball-like cactus is growing atop the green trunk-like body of the moon cactus.

Living Fences

People in the southwestern United States, Mexico, along with other hot and dry climate areas have used cacti as a form of defense and protection around their homes and villages. Cacti used as fences typically have spines and sap that predators find painful or irritating. These characteristics often help protect cacti in the wild from becoming sustenance to birds and other animals. 

Originally, cactus fences were used to keep large animals, thieves, and predators away from livestock. Here are some examples of cacti typically used as fences:

Barrel Cactus

Though short and round, this type of cactus can be placed beneath windows outside your home or along fences around your garden to keep small animals away.

Jumping Cactus

This type of cactus is infamous for being extremely painful. Its hollow spikes can latch on to almost anything, be it your shoes, clothes, or skin. Its spikes hook on to surfaces making it difficult to remove. When searching for cacti to protect your home, look no further as the Jumping cactus offers both protection but also serves as an ornament with the pink flowers it blooms.

Where Else Can Cacti be Used?

• Fodder for Livestock – Cactus can be used as fodder for livestock. Their ability to grow in arid regions helps farmers who are low in stock of grain feed their animals.
• Hangover Remedy – They say that eating a prickly pear cactus before a night of drinking will help alleviate some symptoms that come from a hangover. It does not reduce headaches or dizziness so I suggest you still drink moderately!