Kinds of Cactus Fruit

Dragon Fruit

• Probably the most-recognizable of the cactus fruits is that of the vining cactus (Hylocereus undatus). The red-skinned, white-fleshed fruit is known as dragon fruit in Asia, but more commonly is called red pitaya in Latin America. Nicaragua produces some red-fleshed varieties. The flesh is somewhat bland, and some sellers claim the fruit is largely bought and used for ornamental purposes. Modern hybrids have better-tasting fruit. A yellow dragon fruit, which comes from the Selenicereus megalanthus plant, is being grown in Israel. It tends to tolerate higher temperatures than the other dragon fruit varieties. Yellow pitaya fruit is spinier and smaller than the red dragon fruit.

Indian Fig

• The Opuntia ficus--indica cactus--is commonly known as Indian fig, Barbary fig or tuna cactus. The plant is treelike, with a heavy, sturdy trunk that supports the large, segmented branches that consist of oblong pads. Orange, cup-shaped flowers are followed by roundish, purplish fruits up to 3 1/2 inches long called tunas. This plant is hardy to the mid-20 degrees Fahrenheit, suffering damage if temperatures dip lower. It needs full sun and well-draining soil, and may need supplemental watering in times of drought. The skin of ripe fruits, which have spines and barbed hairs, slips off to reveal a sweet flesh with many seeds. This fruit is eaten as a famine food in developing countries worldwide.

Apple Cactus

• Cereus peruvianus, or apple cactus, is a large columnar cactus that produces a medium-sized fruit in various hues from red to yellow. The aromatic white flesh has a subtle, sweet/sour taste, and many black, edible seeds. Israel was the first country to export this crop to Europe, or to sell it in its own domestic market. The U.S. and Australia are slowly introducing this fruit to their markets. Its excellent yields, long shelf life, beauty and taste foretell a good future for it around the globe. Cereus peruvianus is treelike, reaching up to 33 feet in height. Apple cactus is not cold hardy and is recommended only for U.S.D.A zones 10 to 11. If grown in zone 9, it must be protected from cold.

Prickly Pear

• Native to the U.S., Opuntia humifusa, or prickly pear, is a low-growing, prostrate, perennial cactus. It has spines as well as barbed hairs on the fruit and pads. Flowers are bright yellow, and the numerous red fruits ripen in fall. The pear-shaped prickly fruit is what gives this cactus its common name. Although its fruit is small, has little flesh and isn't sold commercially, it's eaten and made into drinks, jams and jellies, especially in the Southern U.S. It isn't picky as to where it grows, and will root readily from pads or grow from seeds.