What can you eat in the desert?

There are some edible plants, seeds and fruits that can be foraged from most desert climates, including fruits that grow on cacti. However, many of these foods, including stinging nettle and prickly pear, have sharp stings, hairs or spikes and need to be cooked before they are safe to eat.

Some cactus pads may also be edible, but consuming cactus as a means of avoiding dehydration can be a bad idea. In general, it is a good idea for those who are foraging for food in the desert to become familiar with those foods that are safe to eat without preparation, including greens such as the desert dandelion.