A Growing Trend? Edible Cactus Evolves into Deli Food: Watahan Launches Charcoal-Grilled Sabo-Burg Bento and Refreshing Salt-Lemon Yakisoba
Watahan Home Aid began selling new deli items featuring edible cactus 'SABOVEG' at its Watahan Fresh Market stores in Aichi Prefecture starting April 25th.
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- 📰 Published: May 27, 2026 at 16:00
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Watahan Home Aid Co., Ltd. (Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture; President: Yukiharu Nagaoka) has launched two new deli products featuring edible prickly pear cactus, 'SABOVEG,' at its Watahan Fresh Market Hirajima store (Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture) starting Saturday, April 25th: the 'Charcoal-Grilled Sabo-Burg Bento' and 'Refreshing Salt-Lemon Cactus Yakisoba.'
Prickly pear cactus, a staple in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, is known for its mild flavor. When heated, it develops a crunchy texture similar to green beans and a slight sliminess like okra, adding a unique accent to dishes.
The 'Charcoal-Grilled Sabo-Burg Bento' is the second product in the series following the award-winning 'Charcoal-Grilled Pan-Pan Gu.' It features a whole slice of SABOVEG grilled over charcoal alongside a hamburger patty, served generously over rice. The smoky aroma and juicy patty, combined with the soft yet crunchy texture of the cactus, create a satisfying and hearty meal.
The 'Refreshing Salt-Lemon Cactus Yakisoba' is a light and easy-to-eat dish that perfectly balances the tangy acidity of lemon with the fresh texture of the cactus. The signature crunch of the cactus ensures that the dish remains enjoyable until the very last bite.
On the first day of sales, many families visited the store. The 'Charcoal-Grilled Sabo-Burg Bento' was particularly popular with children, often leading parents to purchase it after their children praised the taste. Repeat customers of the previous series also showed interest in the new product, and the hearty portion size attracted many male customers as well.
Meanwhile, the 'Refreshing Salt-Lemon Cactus Yakisoba' was well-received, especially by female customers, who appreciated the refreshing lemon flavor and the unique texture of the cactus.
Furthermore, some customers purchased fresh SABOVEG from the produce section to try cooking it at home, indicating that the cactus-based gourmet concept is being well-received by a wide range of customers.
Watahan plans to continue developing new products featuring SABOVEG, aiming to share the new appeal of edible cactus through menus that can be enjoyed by all generations.
Prickly pear cactus, a staple in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, is known for its mild flavor. When heated, it develops a crunchy texture similar to green beans and a slight sliminess like okra, adding a unique accent to dishes.
The 'Charcoal-Grilled Sabo-Burg Bento' is the second product in the series following the award-winning 'Charcoal-Grilled Pan-Pan Gu.' It features a whole slice of SABOVEG grilled over charcoal alongside a hamburger patty, served generously over rice. The smoky aroma and juicy patty, combined with the soft yet crunchy texture of the cactus, create a satisfying and hearty meal.
The 'Refreshing Salt-Lemon Cactus Yakisoba' is a light and easy-to-eat dish that perfectly balances the tangy acidity of lemon with the fresh texture of the cactus. The signature crunch of the cactus ensures that the dish remains enjoyable until the very last bite.
On the first day of sales, many families visited the store. The 'Charcoal-Grilled Sabo-Burg Bento' was particularly popular with children, often leading parents to purchase it after their children praised the taste. Repeat customers of the previous series also showed interest in the new product, and the hearty portion size attracted many male customers as well.
Meanwhile, the 'Refreshing Salt-Lemon Cactus Yakisoba' was well-received, especially by female customers, who appreciated the refreshing lemon flavor and the unique texture of the cactus.
Furthermore, some customers purchased fresh SABOVEG from the produce section to try cooking it at home, indicating that the cactus-based gourmet concept is being well-received by a wide range of customers.
Watahan plans to continue developing new products featuring SABOVEG, aiming to share the new appeal of edible cactus through menus that can be enjoyed by all generations.
FAQ
Is cactus a common food in Japan?
No, it is not common yet, but it is gaining attention as a superfood.