Cochineal plant. (Nopalea cochenillifera)

Family: Cactaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Nopalea cochenillifera is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid, very alkaline and saline soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Edible Portion: Fruit, Stems (pads). The fruits are edible. They are also made into candies. The pads can be eaten after the spines are removed. Young joints are pickled. The red, ellipsoid fruit is 3 to 5cm long by 2.5 to 3 cm wide. — Edible Portion: Fruit, Stems (pads).; The fruits are edible.; They are also made into candies.; The pads can be eaten after the spines are removed.

Habitat & North American Range

It is a tropical plant. It needs good sunlight. It needs a temperature above 13°C. It can grow in arid places. Hammocks, fields, sandy soils. (Zone 9)