When we think of the cactus, the plant’s sharp thorns come to mind, making us want to keep our distance. 

However, the edible cactus species growing in Wangwu Town in Danzhou, located in the northwest area of Hainan Island, are made into delicacies and served on dining tables. Fresh squeezed cactus juice, made from the plant’s pads and fruit, has also been added to drinks. The cactus dishes have turned out to be quite popular, attracting diners with their refreshing taste and excellent nutritional properties. It turns out that cactus pads are high in vitamin C and fiber, which helps digestion and also helps to lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels. 

Chemical fertilizers and biological reagents are not used while cultivating the organic cacti, instead, purslane and sunflower are planted for pest and disease control.

Cactus plants grown at the Danzhou cactus agricultural base provide a spectacular view that’s rarely seen here on Hainan Island. XIAN HE / HINEWS & NEW HAINAN APP

Cactus plants grown at the Danzhou cactus agricultural base provide a spectacular view that’s rarely seen here on Hainan Island. XIAN HE / HINEWS & NEW HAINAN APP

Imported from Mexico, the various cactus species grown at the base provide a spectacular view that’s rarely seen here on the tropical island, and can be further processed into food ingredients, medicine, cosmetics, and ornaments. Actually, the cactus is so much a part of the Mexican culinary tradition and culture that it appears on the country’s national coat of arms.

Barrel cactus plants, whose fruits are edible, are grown at the Danzhou cactus agricultural base in Hainan. XIAN HE / HINEWS & NEW HAINAN APP

Barrel cactus plants, whose fruits are edible, are grown at the Danzhou cactus agricultural base in Hainan. XIAN HE / HINEWS & NEW HAINAN APP

Barrel cactus plants, whose fruits are edible, are grown at the Danzhou cactus agricultural base in Hainan. XIAN HE / HINEWS & NEW HAINAN APP

Saguaro cactus plants, a tree-like cactus, whose fruits and seeds are edible, are grown at the Danzhou cactus agricultural base in Hainan. XIAN HE / HINEWS & NEW HAINAN APP

Prickly Pear cactus plants, whose pads and fruits are edible, are grown at the Danzhou cactus agricultural base in Hainan. XIAN HE / HINEWS & NEW HAINAN APP

Prickly Pear cactus plants, whose pads and fruits are edible, are grown at the Danzhou cactus agricultural base in Hainan. XIAN HE / HINEWS & NEW HAINAN APP
 

(Photographer: Xian He)