Do you know that there are fruits that grow on cacti? And they’re easy to grow, so you can enjoy them right in your own backyard.
If you’re looking for some unique and delicious fruits to grow in your yard, check out this list of Cactus Fruits!
8 Fruits That Grow on Cactus:
1. Dragon Fruit Cactus
Botanical Name: Selenicereus undatus
USDA Zones: 10-11
It’s known as Pitaya or Strawberry Pear because of its oval shape and scaly skin. Sweet and mild, it tastes like ripe kiwi because of the white pulp and small black seeds.
2. Saguaro Cactus
Botanical Name: Carnegiea gigantea
USDA Zones: 8-11
The Saguaro cactus bears oval green fruits that mature to a deep crimson color and break apart to reveal red pulp with many tiny black seeds. Sweet pulp is high in protein and can be used to make jams, jellies, sauces, and beverages.
3. Barrel Cactus
Botanical Name: Echinocactus grusonii
USDA Zones: 9-11
The yellow fruits of the Barrel Cactus look like pineapples. The black seeds are nutty in flavor, but the yellow flesh has a tart, lemony flavor. You can eat it raw or cooked, according to your preference.
4. Peruvian Apple Cactus
Botanical Name: Cereus repandus
USDA Zones: 9-12
The fruit resembles dragon fruits in appearance, with a pink exterior, white flesh, and black seeds. The fruit’s sweetness makes it a great ingredient in sweets, salads, and liquids.
5. Cholla Cactus
Botanical Name: Cylindropuntia
USDA Zones: 8-11
Cholla cactus fruits are spineless and grow in bunches, but harvesting them is difficult because the plant is covered in thorny spikes. The fruits feature a nutty combination of asparagus, artichoke heart, and green bean flavors.
6. Barbary Fig
Botanical Name: Opuntia ficus-indica
USDA Zones: 4-9
Greenish orange, pear-shaped fruits have a melon flavor and are tasty. A vast variety of syrups, jellies, and jams can be made from the fruit.
7. Organ Pipe Cactus
Botanical Name: Stenocereus thurberi
USDA Zones: 9-11
Round fruits covered in a dusty red color, yellow and green spots and protruding spine patches adorn the Organ Pipe Cactus. Jellies and beverages can be made from reddish-brown flesh, which has a sweet-tart flavor.
8. Prickly Pear
Botanical Name: Opuntia basilaris
USDA Zones: 9-11
Fruits of the prickly pear are covered in hair-like splinters and range in color from green to crimson with an orangish hue. Medicinally, the sweet fruit is widely utilized, and it is also used to make jams, jellies, and juices.