Here’s where it gets funny. Some people see a cactus in their backyard and think, “I’ll just slice off a piece.” Do not eat a random cactus. It might be a barrel cactus, which looks harmless but is packed with oxalic acid. That stuff can make your kidneys scream. Or it’s a cholla—those fuzzy-looking cacti that jump at you (yes, they literally detach and stick to your leg). Not tasty.
Which Edible Cactus Species Are Safe To Eat | ShunCy
Stick to store-bought nopales or prickly pear fruit. Or, if you’re brave, buy from a farmer’s market where they’ve already de-spined them. Save yourself the trauma of tweezers and a crying session.
