SWIM is beginning to prepare his first cactus extraction and was wondering how everyone here prepares the cactus before extraction begins? He started by slicing a very thin strip all the way down the column to remove the spines, being careful to take only enough to remove the spines. SWIM has found that peeling the skin off is a PITA but if done carefully leaves all the green flesh behind. He then removes all green flesh down to the white. SWIM has read other threads that say using the whole cactus is fine but he would rather work with a smaller volume than extract the whole cactus, core and all. Seems most vendors sell live cacti or chips but no pre-powdered green flesh. SWIM was wondering, since the first step is to rehydrate and mix with base would it be possible to use fresh green flesh since it's already hydrated but not soaking wet?