Agro-Industrial use of Cactus, a Review

Abstract

The cactus pear has become an important fruit in many semi-arid lands of the world. The fruit and the young cladodes (nopalitos) have commonly been consumed fresh, but the last decade’s research studies on cactus pear processing have produced another alternative which prevents damage to the fruit and in spite of technological characteristics that make processing a challenge (high soluble solids content, low acidity and high pH), adds value to this fruit. The cladodes of the plant are a good source of fiber, an important element for the human diet and of considerable potential for medical use. The result of several of these research studies involving the production of juices, marmalades, liquid sweeteners, dehydrated foods and other products have discussed.

Keywords: Canned Food, Medicines, Industrial Additives, Dehydration Product, Nutraceuticals, Food and Food Derivatives