What is cactus fruit (prickly pear, prickly fig, cactus fig, mother-in-law)? Cactus fruit, one of the favorite fruits of the summer months, is not yet known by many people.
WHAT IS CACTUS FRUIT?
Cactus fruit, which has many names among the people, is a fruit that has a wonderful taste and appearance. In the old years it was used to produce food preservatives and red dyes. Its homeland is South America.
CACTUS FRUIT NAMES
In the Aegean and Mediterranean regions, it is also known with local names such as Egyptian fig, paradise fruit, Indian fig, French fig, Babutsa, Kilis fig, Shovel fig, An-in-law, Shovel Nuts, Prickly Figs, Cactus Figs. Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a species of Opuntia genus in the family of cacti.
HOW TO EAT CACTUS FRUIT?
There are many spines on the cactus fruit. Usually sold with spines cleaned. While eating, the shell part is peeled off. Its color is orange or red. When the fruit is cut, its seeds are observed on its inner surface. It is a sweet and juicy fruit. It grows naturally in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions.
HOW TO GROW CACTUS FRUIT?
It grows in desert climates and arid soils. The ambient temperature of the environment where it grows should be high and it should not be irrigated too much. Since it develops very widely, the place where it is planted should be chosen correctly and this should not be ignored. It should be grown in an area with direct sunlight.
HOW TO COLLECT CACTUS FRUIT?
Since cactus fruit is thorny, it should never be collected with bare hands. Since the thorns will be drawn inwards in the coolness, they should be collected in the early morning or evening cool. It is necessary to collect the cactus fruit with iron gloves. Afterwards, the thorns should be blunted by mixing on the soil with the help of a broom. It should be cleaned under cold water. Since not all of the thorns will be cleaned, the shell part must be consumed by peeling.
PRUNING CACTUS FRUIT
There is a widespread belief that “it can be pruned” in the frank fig, ie cactus fruit. For this reason, pruning is neglected. There is a gradual decrease in the product due to rot and deterioration in many trees. For this reason, parts that grow close to the ground, distort the shape of the tree, dried or not well developed should be pruned in winter. The size of the cactus plant is up to 2 meters. The plant that needs to be pruned in the shape of a vase is branched 40-60 cm from the ground. Regular pruning should be done in the first 3-4 years after planting.
