Articles
An overview of the agro-industrial applications of cactus pears: a South African perspective
Article number
1343_46
Pages
361 – 368
Language
English
Abstract
The effect of climate change, limited water resources and increasing desertification on food security prompted the exploration of the highly water-efficient, drought-tolerant cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill. and O. robusta) as a commercial crop for the food, feed and other industries in South Africa.
Cactus pear (prickly pear) has long been valued in South Africa as both cattle feed and for its fresh fruit.
In 1914, 22 spineless Burbank Opuntia ficus-indica and O. robusta cactus pear cultivars were imported from California, USA and South Africa is the only country in the world where this collection is still found.
Both O. ficus-indica and O. robusta are undervalued food sources, with the whole plant having value as a health-promoting, nutraceutical crop.
Cactus pears are opening up economic opportunities in South Africa.
Research on cactus pears at the University of the Free State (UFS) is in collaboration with the South African Agricultural Research Council (ARC). Currently, 42 spineless Burbank cultivars, 40 of the O. ficus-indica sp. and two from the O. robusta sp. are being evaluated.
The objective of this study was to report the research and applications regarding all human food and animal feed application aspects, as well as newly developed industries, of this multi-functional crop in South Africa.
Cactus pear (prickly pear) has long been valued in South Africa as both cattle feed and for its fresh fruit.
In 1914, 22 spineless Burbank Opuntia ficus-indica and O. robusta cactus pear cultivars were imported from California, USA and South Africa is the only country in the world where this collection is still found.
Both O. ficus-indica and O. robusta are undervalued food sources, with the whole plant having value as a health-promoting, nutraceutical crop.
Cactus pears are opening up economic opportunities in South Africa.
Research on cactus pears at the University of the Free State (UFS) is in collaboration with the South African Agricultural Research Council (ARC). Currently, 42 spineless Burbank cultivars, 40 of the O. ficus-indica sp. and two from the O. robusta sp. are being evaluated.
The objective of this study was to report the research and applications regarding all human food and animal feed application aspects, as well as newly developed industries, of this multi-functional crop in South Africa.
Publication
Authors
M. de Wit
Keywords
agro-industrial, applications, prickly pear, processing
Groups involved
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