Cactus isn't just a pretty backdrop in Western movies. It can be used for food, fashion, and biofuel. In fact, some varieties of cacti use 80% less water than traditional crops. We talk with John Cushman, Adrián López Velarde, and Fadi Kattan and explore how it's a crop of the future, how it's been eaten for generations in Mexico, and how it's also a symbol of resistance in Palestine.

Topics covered in this episode:


Min 0:36: Meet Fadi Kattan

Min 3:39: The symbolic resilience of cactus in Palestine

Min 7:27: How Fadi cooks with prickly pear

Min 11:53: Meet Alan Bergo

Min 12:25: What is a barrel cactus and what can you cook with it?

Min 14:22: Meet John Cushman

Min 17:03: Cactus’ potential as a source for feed and biofuel

Min 20:14: Meet Adrián López Velarde

Min 20:45: Origins and spread of cactus

Min 23:20: Farming cactus sustainably



Climate Cuisine is part of Whetstone Radio Collective. Learn more about this episode of Climate Cuisine at www.whetstoneradio.com, on IG and Twitter at @whetstoneradio, and YouTube at /WhetstoneRadio.

Guests: Fadi Kattan (@fadi.f.kattan), John Cushman, Alan Bergo (@foragerchef), Adrián López Velarde (@desserto.pelle)