A major cactus-producing city in central Japan is developing food products using locally grown edible cactus in hope of raising its profile amid a decline in the number of farmers. Broiled pork and cactus on skewers, Madeleine cake made using cactus powder, and ramen noodles made with cactus are
A major cactus-producing city in central Japan is developing food products using locally grown edible cactus in hope of raising its profile amid a decline in the number of farmers.
Broiled pork and cactus on skewers, Madeleine cake made using cactus powder, and ramen noodles made with cactus are just a few of the recipes created under a project in the city of Kasugai in Aichi Prefecture.
Cactus is abundant in calcium and other nutrition and commonly eaten in Mexico. But in Japan, it is mainly grown for ornamental purposes.
Local farmer Hiromitsu Goto, 36, has set up a special greenhouse for edible cactus to support the Kasugai Saboten (Cactus) Project, launched by the city’s chamber of commerce and farmers in 2006.
