can you eat cactus

Yes, you can eat cactus. Various types of edible cacti exist, with the most commonly eaten parts being the pads (called nopales) and the fruit (known as prickly pears or cactus pears). The pads are often cooked by grilling, baking, or simmering after removing their spines, and they have been a traditional food source in regions like the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. The fruit is typically peeled and can be eaten raw; it has a sweet taste with a texture resembling a cross between a kiwi and a pear. Prepared cactus pads and fruits can be found in some grocery stores, especially in Hispanic markets. However, care must be taken to remove the spines or tiny hair-like barbed thorns (glochids) before eating. Overall, cactus provides a nutritious, water-rich food source that has been used for centuries.