Israeli farmers push cactus to relieve world hunger

Farmers in Israel are hoping to relieve the world of hunger by promoting the use of a desert plant. And producer "Cactus Sun" in Israel's Negev desert says the prickly pear is versatile... and has high nutritional value.

Israeli farmers push cactus to relieve world hunger

A splash of color in a sea of desert.

The fruit of this cactus is the prickly pear.

It's a food Israelis are well accustomed to eating.

Cactus Sun says a wide array of foods can be produced from cacti...without leaving any trace of thorns.

More importantly, cacti need very little water. And they are ideal for developing countries with arid climates that endure droughts.

Dr. Tully Friedgut, Senior Economist, said, "In the world today 15 million babies or infants die every year, in a decade that's 150 million and it's not necessary, because this is a plant, it's not a high tech plant, anyone can grow it, even an economist like myself can grow these plants and with a little bit of help from someone who can cook can make the most delicious meals you can imagine, and so the people of these developing countries who today are suffering from hunger would be able to solve much of their nutritious problems."

Cacti need about half the quantity of water required for keeping citrus and subtropical fruits such as mango.

And, according to Cactus Sun, returns on investments can be made within three years.

The foods the cacti and its fruit can produce include salads and stews, jams, juices and desserts...And it can also produce low-gluten bread made from ground cactus seeds.