Sweet wine, jam and yoghurt from the troublesome cactus plant
Joseph Lentuyol arranges some of the products he makes from cactus in his enterprise in Laikipia County. He has established a demo site where he exhibits different ways of how the invasive cactus plant can be used to make various items. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NMG
The plant has ravaged the expansive plains of Laikipia affecting livestock production.
To make wine, he starts with washing the fruits thoroughly, then putting them in a blender which separates the pulp from the seeds.
It is then pasteurised to 90 degrees Celsius for between 25 to 30 minutes before it is cooled to 43 degrees Celsius and then starter culture is added.
The plant is rich in vitamins C and A and is an antioxidant that helps prevent cancers and other lifestyle diseases as it is high in minerals such as magnesium, calcium and iron.
When Joseph Lentunyoi returned to his ancestral home in Laikipia North three years ago, he had one mission — to try and help the community make money from the notorious cacti (opuntia).
The plant has ravaged the expansive plains of Laikipia affecting livestock production.
