Sonoran Barrel Cactus!

Forage! Sonoran Style! Provider Staffer, Dee Norleen shares a bit about Barrel Cactus!Barrel cactus in the Sonoran are an edible source to forage. Here is the fruit, which ripens over winter and can easily be pulled (watch those fish hooks) when ripe! These fruits are a delicacy candied, baked or sautéed. The seeds inside are highly mucilaginous (moistening), helping to balance and soothe the dry conditions of western culture.When gathering, be sure to leave some of the fruits, and scatter seeds, to ensure the longevity of these cactus ally. Early travelers knew these cactus as compass barrel because of their tendency to lean towards the southern horizon! Sourced from John Slattery’s book Southwest Foraging