There are many benefits that come from desert plants. Prickly pear cacti produce delicious fruits, and mesquite trees offer up protein-filled bean pods. These are just a few desert plants that offer edible returns. Read on for more edible desert plants.

Prickly Pear Cacti

Prickly pear cacti are one of the most common desert plants used to harvest edible fruits. The large pads can be boiled and eaten as a side or part of a salad. The fruit, however, is eaten most often and in many different forms. The fruit can be used to make jams and flavorings for drinks and candies with a distinctive pink hue.

Mesquite Trees

Mesquite trees produce high-protein and low-carbohydrate-filled pods. These pods, and their pea-like seeds, can be used for a variety of items. When the pods are still green, they produce natural sugars. When they have dried and browned, before falling off the tree, the pods can be harvested into a baking flour or sweet syrup for teas.

Cholla Cacti

Cholla cacti, like many other cacti, produce fruit that tastes similar to strawberries. The joints can also be eaten, though in small quantities, and they taste like kiwi fruit. All parts of the cholla must be harvested carefully, because it is covered in thorns that must be removed before eating.

Yucca Plants

All parts of the yucca plant can be used and eaten. Yucca plants produce fruit during the summer that can be eaten raw or grilled as a summer treat. The leaves, though spiky, can be boiled to eat the insides. The roots are edible too, but they contain a toxin called saponin. This toxin can be boiled off for safe eating, or the raw roots can be eaten in very small amounts.

 

Complete Landscaping is dedicated to protecting the desert landscape through responsible gardening, harvesting, and landscaping. We know the importance of keeping our beautiful desert thriving for everyone who lives here. Please call us at (520) 323-8918 to learn how we can help responsibly use desert plants.