7 Succulents Plants that are Edible
Growing our very own foods is so important not only is this a great way to connect with nature outdoors, growing our food crops provide the opportunity of getting that much-needed exercise, saving that hard-earned dollar, and growing foods that are not contaminated.
Edible gardens are popular in this day and time as many homeowners are taking advantage of these garden types, there are so many food crops that can be grown but what I find to be so amazing is there are edible succulents that can boost our health.
No longer are we limited by ornamental succulents but edible succulents are here providing us with the opportunities to live a healthier life so come go with me as we enter the exciting world of edible succulent plants.
What are succulent plants?
Succulent plants are plants which store water in their leaves and stem due to arid climates or conditions. Some parts are fleshly and thick, most species can’t take the cold weather but prefer the warmer climates. Succulent plants are tender and full of juice or sap. Most grow best in bright sunlight, some species can be propagated from their leaves. The main pest problem of succulent plants is the sucking insects that feed on their sap or juice.
Edible succulent plants
Aloe
1. The aloe plant is so amazing, from a child I was introduced to this plant by my parents. The aloe plant was used mostly in my home when we caught the flu, my dad who is now deceased would boil cerasee along with the clear meaty or jelly part from the aloe plant and anyone who has ever tasted cerasee I am sure had a bitter experience so can you imagine adding aloe, this is a combination that is not pleasant at all but the good news is this mixture will knock out the flu and the common cold.
Aloe is also used to cure minor wounds, burns and is used for many other medical purposes, this succulent plant can do wonders. Growing aloe from your home garden is a win for you.
The dragon fruit
2. The dragon fruit is a night bloomer, the fruit of this tropical plant is pulpy and full of flavor. The dragon fruit will boost your iron, aids in weight loss, is rich in antioxidants which helps the body to get rid of free radicals.
Purslane
3. Purslane is a succulent plant that grows wild here on the island, I have worked on many garden projects removing and discarding this succulent because this plant was said to be a weed. But what I found so amazing is one day while removing some of these plants my then supervisor said that someone he knew uses this plant in salads.
This succulent can be cooked like spinach and is an excellent source of vitamin a and c, copper, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and manganese. Purslane is great for weight loss, strengthens the immune system, prevents cancer, promotes digestive health, strengthens the bones, promotes heart health, and promotes skin health.
Stonecrops
4. Stonecrops are succulent plants that can promote one’s health, these succulents are used in stir- fry and salads. However, it is good not to use too much, use in moderation because of the bitter taste along with a peppery flavor.
Consuming in great amounts can also cause stomach upset, It is reported that stonecrops can be used to relieve the cough, can be applied to the skin for wounds and burns, help to reduce high blood pressure, helps in healing mouth ulcers, warts and hemorrhoids.
Prickly Pear Cactus
5. The prickly pear cactus makes a great showpiece for a rock or low maintenance garden, this plant is also known as the India fig and is also an edible plant. The fruits and the leaves are said to be full of flavor which makes this plant a must for your edible garden.
The seed pulp of the prickly pear cactus can also be processed to make jams and jellies. If you’re interested in this succulent then give it try as you enjoy the flavors this plant provides.
Sea Beans
6. Sea beans are a good source of iodine, iron, protein, and calcium. This succulent is said to have that sea salt flavor. Sea beans can be pan-fried or eaten raw, these succulents can be found growing in areas such as sandy beaches and salt marshes.
Opuntia
7. Opuntia is a succulent plant that has a mild flavor, the fruits are high in vitamin c and the leaves are loaded with calcium and fiber. The leaves of opuntia can be grilled and boil and go great in salsas, tacos, salads, and soups
15 succulent fun facts
1. There are more than 8000 species of succulents.
2. Succulents can survive in harsh dry climates.
3. Succulents can be used in so many ways.
4. Most succulent plants are said to be found in Southern Africa.
5. I heard of a succulent plant that is worn as a piece of jewelry and grows as it is worn.
6. Succulents are easy to grow.
7. Some succulents have fewer pests issues.
8. The Latin word for Succulent is Sucus meaning Sap or Juice.
9. You can find succulents in just about any color.
10. There is a succulent plant which is named after a donkey’s tail.
11. The chalky substance on succulents protects them from sunburn, pests, and disease
12. The Christmas cactus is a succulent plant.
13. Succulents can be grown both out and indoors.
14. The leaves that fall can be used to grow a new plant.
15. Succulents have the ability to retain water.
The final word
Adding succulent plants to your diet does have its benefits, these plants are enjoyed by many and the good part is they can be grown from your home garden. These succulents have been used for their flavors and vitamins which can boost our health so join the many homeowners who are growing and enjoying these succulents.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Its the first time I’m hearing about this succulent plants. That’s very interesting and I like the fact that one can really grab those. Apart from the also plants, I don’t think I know about the rest. They really have so many health benefits and I am eager to start making use of it already. Thank you for putting this up. I will add them to my diet.
These succulents do work wonders for our health, so happy to help and continue living healthy by eating healthy. All the best to you.
Aloe, dragon fruit and sea beans are the three that I would look forward to growing. We had them grown in our garden when I was growing up and I could still remember vividly well how my dad thought me how to grow them. I will definitely look forward to doing the same thi g with my kids. I really fancy this post a lot and it was worth every bit of my time spent reading it. Thanks
So happy to help and thanks so much for your kind words. These succulents are pretty amazing in what they can do for our health. Have a good day and the best of health to you also.
Thank you for a very interesting article. I grew up in South Africa, and my father always had plenty of succulents in our garden. I thought that the only one which was edible was the prickly pear. My parents were also huge fans of using aloe around the house.
I am going to explore the Dragon fruit, as I do lack iron (so always feel drained) and, of course, for weight loss.
Thanks for the great advice
These succulents do works wonder for our health. So happy to help and have a good day.
I think amongst all the succulent plants, the cactus variety is the best known. I think they can be a great addition to our diet. And the only bad thing is that you can’t get them any time or anywhere. So, they can be quite costly and rare.
I personally prefer the dragon fruit, because they are in plenty in my place and I just wait for the season to enjoy them to detox my body.
Thanks for sharing.
So good to hear that you are taking advantage of some of these succulents. Wishing you continued good health and all the best to you.
Thanks for sharing such educational post I’m really pleased to have come across it. Currently I live in a semi desert area which is very dry and my plants hardly survive here. Now looking at these succulents which are of great benefits, where the sea bean seem to be something i’ll love to plant, how do I go about planting it? In its first stage wouldn’t it require a lot of water considering the fact that its a small plant before it gains the ability to retain much water?
Succulents are great to have around. With the sea beans, I will have an article on how to grow and care for them so keep an eye out as I will explain. All the best to you and have a good day.
Very few people truly know the role some certain succulent plants play in enhancing the health of an individual.
This post is really enlightening. Thank you so much for this. I have gotten to realize that I had been ignorant in this aspect and have not taken advantage of edible gardens although I have gardens all over my houses.
Just by reading this post, I am strongly determined to explore and enjoy the benefits of these succulents
So happy to help and please let me know how it goes.
There are many succulent plant am just hearing about in this review. I’m just hearing about sea beans, succulent fun fact and the rest. I know aloe vera and opontia very well. I used aloe vera as part of the cosmetics I combine to cure acne on my face. Aloe vera is also one of the materials that are used for herb concussion in my culture. This is a very enlightening review that is full of many useful important socculent plants and their usefulness.
Hello so happy to help and living healthy is the way to go. Have a good day.