Collab #5: Peruvian Apple - Another Cactus Super Fruit

The Cereus Peruvianus Cactus is a columnar Cactus that can grow more than 30feet in height. it is also known by the name Peruvian Apple because of the fruits it produces. This cactus is actually native to Trinidad and Tobago. There is a fantastic specimen that is over 30feet tall and older than anyone who knows it can remember atop San Fernando Hill.

Before you go off thinking I've lost my mind this fruit is actually commercially produced on a large scale in arid eastern countries such as Israel and exported to countries across the world!

Brigitte has several of these plants in her collection and I had the opportunity to see and photograph the gorgeous flower of this cactus. The Cereus Peruvianus is a night blooming Cacti and this was the last flower until next year. This particular plant actually bloomed quite late this year as many of the others usually bloom earlier in August/September. Its flowers begin opening up around 9pm and are fully open by 11pm.

Here is a close up of the flower

The flowers, when pollinated, develop into rosy red fruits that are edible and very nutritious! The skin of the fruit is edible, so too are the seeds. The taste of the fruit reminds me pommerac although the texture is completely different. This fruit shares many of the health benefits as the Prickly Pear fruit. It too is a source of antioxidants and is high in vitamin C. 

Bottom line, it's a fruit and fruits are better than a pack of chips any day!