Fresh Cactus - 仙人掌

Fresh Cactus is known for its fleshy oval leaves which is also known as "pads or paddles". It has a soft and yet crunchy texture that becomes a bit sticky when cooked which makes it taste similar to aloe vera. These days, you could get fresh cactus from some of the supermarket such as NTUC fairprice, Sheng Shiong Supermarket and some Chinese medical shop such as Hock Hua(福华).

From a given leaflet and website of Kin Yan Aagrotech where these local fresh cactus is grown, it shows that eating Cactus helps to promote good digestive system, improve immunity, strengthen bones and joints, detoxification of the body system and etc.

Some research also claimed that eating cactus helps to improve lost weight due to its rich supply of Amino acids that balances up the body system and increases metabolism. Moreover Cactus pads contain beta carotene, iron, some B vitamins, and are good sources of both vitamin C and calcium which is needed for our body.

Recently I bought some fresh cactus to try out this Cactus Chicken Soup(recipe) which was served as sample in the supermarket to create awareness and at the same time promote ways of eating fresh cactus. Other than using cactus for soup, you could also add it into salad, stir-fry as well as juice it together with other fruits.