ID and is it Edible

If you have a cactus plant and need help identifying it, this is the place to post it.
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FL_Heroy
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Joined: Fri Oct 11, 2024 6:00 pm

ID and is it Edible

Post by FL_Heroy »

Hello All,

See attached link of photo of the cactus in question. Is it a Peruvian Cactus and are the red bulbs (Seeds?) edible?

Thank you in advance for any help.

Image

Thank you
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Steve Johnson
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Location: Los Angeles, CA (Zone 10b)

Re: ID and is it Edible

Post by Steve Johnson »

It's easier for us to see photos if you post them as file attachments. I just did that for you. This is a "how to" guide on posting file attachments:

https://www.cactiguide.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=48409

My presentation's option #2 for importing photos from an image-sharing service involves a few unnecessary steps, and this is an easier way to do it:

https://www.cactiguide.com/forum/viewto ... 26#p407326
If you just want photos without all the blather, please visit my Flickr gallery.
My location: Los Angeles, CA (Zone 10b)
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Nino_G
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Location: Zagreb, Croatia

Re: ID and is it Edible

Post by Nino_G »

FL_Heroy wrote: Sun Oct 13, 2024 2:36 am Is it a Peruvian Cactus and are the red bulbs (Seeds?) edible?
Yes, ans yes :D

Fruit of C. peruvianus is edible and is also known as "Peruvian apple".
FL_Heroy
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Oct 11, 2024 6:00 pm

Re: ID and is it Edible

Post by FL_Heroy »

Steve Johnson wrote: Sun Oct 13, 2024 4:18 am It's easier for us to see photos if you post them as file attachments. I just did that for you. This is a "how to" guide on posting file attachments:

https://www.cactiguide.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=48409

My presentation's option #2 for importing photos from an image-sharing service involves a few unnecessary steps, and this is an easier way to do it:

https://www.cactiguide.com/forum/viewto ... 26#p407326
Thank you Steve! Appreciate the information on posting images
FL_Heroy
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Oct 11, 2024 6:00 pm

Re: ID and is it Edible

Post by FL_Heroy »

Nino_G wrote: Sun Oct 13, 2024 9:52 am
FL_Heroy wrote: Sun Oct 13, 2024 2:36 am Is it a Peruvian Cactus and are the red bulbs (Seeds?) edible?
Yes, ans yes :D

Fruit of C. peruvianus is edible and is also known as "Peruvian apple".
Thank you Nino for the information on my questions on the Peruvian cactus!

One other question, when can you pick and eat the fruits? Do they need to be split open or can you pick them while they are still solid and turning red?
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Steve Johnson
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Joined: Thu Nov 03, 2011 4:44 am
Location: Los Angeles, CA (Zone 10b)

Re: ID and is it Edible

Post by Steve Johnson »

FL_Heroy wrote: Sun Oct 13, 2024 11:47 pmThank you Steve! Appreciate the information on posting images
My pleasure! :D
If you just want photos without all the blather, please visit my Flickr gallery.
My location: Los Angeles, CA (Zone 10b)
DaveW
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Location: Nottingham, England/UK

Re: ID and is it Edible

Post by DaveW »

With all edible parts of cacti always make sure no systemic or contact insecticides etc have been used on them recently before eating. That also applies to edible parts of all plants.
FL_Heroy
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Re: ID and is it Edible

Post by FL_Heroy »

DaveW wrote: Mon Oct 14, 2024 10:12 am With all edible parts of cacti always make sure no systemic or contact insecticides etc have been used on them recently before eating. That also applies to edible parts of all plants.
Thanks Dave!

Still wondering when it's best to take and eat the Peruvian cactus fruit or seed ball?
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Nino_G
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Location: Zagreb, Croatia

Re: ID and is it Edible

Post by Nino_G »

FL_Heroy wrote: Tue Oct 15, 2024 7:27 pm Still wondering when it's best to take and eat the Peruvian cactus fruit or seed ball?
As a rule, all plants (that produce fruits) have most attractively coloured and best tasting/smelling fruits when the seeds are mature and ready to be dispersed. In this particular case, I guess it's best to eat them when the fruit is completely red. I never had the opportunity to try them, it's just common sense.
FL_Heroy
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Joined: Fri Oct 11, 2024 6:00 pm

Re: ID and is it Edible

Post by FL_Heroy »

Nino_G wrote: Wed Oct 16, 2024 12:49 pm
FL_Heroy wrote: Tue Oct 15, 2024 7:27 pm Still wondering when it's best to take and eat the Peruvian cactus fruit or seed ball?
As a rule, all plants (that produce fruits) have most attractively coloured and best tasting/smelling fruits when the seeds are mature and ready to be dispersed. In this particular case, I guess it's best to eat them when the fruit is completely red. I never had the opportunity to try them, it's just common sense.
Thanks again for the information Nino, much appreciated!
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