Barrel cacti are common in the southwestern United States and provide the best option for potable water for a thirsty survivalist.
While many depictions on television and in movies show people drinking from cacti to survive in the desert, most cacti either do not have drinkable water or are poisonous. Cactus juice can burn your mouth and throat, and can cause intense vomiting and diarrhea, making you even more dehydrated, according to Survival Tips. Although you should not try to obtain moisture from most cacti, the barrel cactus from the southwestern United States does provide some potable water if you are careful.
Instructions
1. Find a barrel cactus. Look for a cactus that is cylindrical or barrel-shaped --- easily distinguishable from other species of cacti. See if it has other attributes that match the barrel cactus, such as a green color, vertical ribs that are covered in heavy needles and yellow-green or red flowers at the top of the plant, which can be up to 10 feet tall.
2. Cut open the top of the barrel cactus with a knife, exposing its spongy pulp.
3. Scoop the pulp out and look for a slightly greenish liquid, which is the potable water that you can drink.
4. Eat the pulp raw, squeeze the moisture into your mouth or carry it with you.
Tags: barrel cactus, potable water, most cacti, southwestern United, southwestern United States, United States