5 Food Swaps You Can Make That Are Good For the Planet
5 Simple Food Swaps You Can Make That Are Good For the Environment
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When you hear the word cactus, it may trigger an image of the skinny and spiky fruitless plant that are popular in Western movie sets. We're not suggestion you eat those. The nopal cactus is a different type of cactus that contains edible paddles instead of skinny cactus arms and produces delicious and nutrient-dense fruit referred to as prickly pears, cactus pear, tuna fruit, or sabras.
This particular cactus is getting some attention because it's able to grow in the face of drought, high temperatures, and damaged soils according to the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). It can even survive in soil that's mostly made of hard rock and possibly help improve soil quality and increase yield of certain other crops like barley.
This plant also stores water in its pads. In fact, the FAO reports that it can provide up to 180 tons of water per hectare – enough to sustain five adult cows. At times of drought, livestock survival rate has been higher on farms with cactus plantations. Data also suggests that when nopal cactus is used as fodder (livestock feed), the drinking water intake of the animals decreased.
The young cactus pads, or nopales, can be sautéed, grilled, added to tacos, or even eaten raw. The fruit can be enjoyed simply by removing the skin and eating (just watch out for the seeds!). It can also be juiced or included as an amazing cocktail ingredient. Cheers!