Top Cacti Fruits

The horned owl stared implacably at Annie and LJ as they slowly walked beneath his home. The Tipu tree provided a high canopy and dense foliage, perfect for a nesting owl. During spring, its yellow flowers blossomed, creating a cascading sun-drenched corona. It was mid-day, and the nocturnal bird was awake.

“We should back off,” whispered Annie. “I don’t want to disturb him; he’s only awake because of us.”

LJ stopped and nodded towards the giant cactus, “before we leave, look at the amount of Prickly Pear on the Opuntia cactus? They are deep red, so ripe enough to pick.” He quietly opened his long-handled tongs, grabbed a pear, and twisted it off. He worked quickly to harvest the rest. “These will go well in my Prickly Pear Paletas.”

“Thanks, sweetheart. That sounds refreshing, especially since we’re moving into hot weather. Prickly pears, called Tunas in Mexico, contain potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which support blood pressure health. Its betalain protects your digestive system and vitamin C your immune system.”

Yes, cacti have been a source of food and water to Indigenous cultures for thousands of years. Their fruits are superfoods; low-calorie, high-fiber, and nutrient-dense. They contain antioxidants that protect your cells and help reduce HDL (bad) cholesterol levels and body fat,” said LJ as he walked over to the plant of…