Domestic Production Project for Edible Cactus 'SABOVEG' Launched
Watahan Trading has launched a project to domestically produce edible cactus. By planting approximately 1,500 tsubo across Okinawa and Nagano, the company aims to establish it as a sustainable new vegetable in the market.
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- 📰 Published: May 27, 2026 at 01:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 26, 2026 at 16:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 26, 2026 at 16:54 (23 min after Collected)
Watahan Trading Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Casa Natural Co., Ltd., has begun full-scale planting of edible prickly pear cactus, branded as 'SABOVEG'.
大规模 planting is taking place across three regions: Okinawa Main Island, Miyakojima, and Iida City in Nagano Prefecture, totaling approximately 1,500 tsubo. This represents one of the largest cultivation efforts for edible prickly pear cactus in Japan.
■ Features of SABOVEG
Developed under the concept of 'cactus as a new vegetable,' this brand aims to redefine the perception of cacti. In countries like Mexico, it is a staple vegetable akin to cabbage. When cooked, it offers a tender texture with a subtle mucilage similar to okra, while raw, it is crisp and refreshing. It is rich in dietary fiber and minerals and is attracting attention as a sustainable crop capable of growing in arid lands with minimal water consumption.
■ Future Outlook
The company has been conducting trial cultivation for several years. By leveraging the distinct climates of Okinawa and greenhouse cultivation in Nagano, they aim to collect comprehensive growth data. Moving forward, the company plans to introduce SABOVEG not only to supermarket produce sections but also as a raw material for health foods, food ingredients, and the food service industry, effectively creating a new market for edible cacti in Japan.
大规模 planting is taking place across three regions: Okinawa Main Island, Miyakojima, and Iida City in Nagano Prefecture, totaling approximately 1,500 tsubo. This represents one of the largest cultivation efforts for edible prickly pear cactus in Japan.
■ Features of SABOVEG
Developed under the concept of 'cactus as a new vegetable,' this brand aims to redefine the perception of cacti. In countries like Mexico, it is a staple vegetable akin to cabbage. When cooked, it offers a tender texture with a subtle mucilage similar to okra, while raw, it is crisp and refreshing. It is rich in dietary fiber and minerals and is attracting attention as a sustainable crop capable of growing in arid lands with minimal water consumption.
■ Future Outlook
The company has been conducting trial cultivation for several years. By leveraging the distinct climates of Okinawa and greenhouse cultivation in Nagano, they aim to collect comprehensive growth data. Moving forward, the company plans to introduce SABOVEG not only to supermarket produce sections but also as a raw material for health foods, food ingredients, and the food service industry, effectively creating a new market for edible cacti in Japan.
FAQ
「SABOVEG（サボベジ）」とはどのようなブランドですか？
「サボテンが新しい野菜になる」というコンセプトのもと、ウチワサボテンを食べる新しいジャンルとして提案する食用サボテンブランドです。
今回の本格定植はどこで行われますか？
沖縄本島、宮古島、長野県飯田市の3地域にて実施されています。
食用ウチワサボテンはどのような特徴がありますか？
加熱するとオクラのようなぬめりとやわらかな食感があり、生食ではみずみずしくさっぱりとした味わいが楽しめます。食物繊維やミネラルが豊富です。
なぜ食用ウチワサボテンが注目されているのですか？
低カロリーで健康価値が高いだけでなく、乾燥地でも生育可能で環境負荷が低い「次世代サステナブル野菜」として評価されているためです。
今後の展開について教えてください。
安定生産体制の構築と生育データの収集を進め、青果店での販売のほか、健康食品や加工原料としての活用を図り、国内食用サボテン市場の創出に取り組みます。