The semiarid region in northeastern Brazil covers 735,000km2, and it comprises different vegetation types under a dry tropical climate. This is one of the most populated and biologically diverse semiarid regions in the world. Due to adverse climatic conditions and low incomes, this region has historically concentrates the majority of rural poverty in Latin America. The use of locally available plants and fruits can provide an alternative opportunity for developing countries to investigate their local resources with significant economic and ecological implications. Thus, this paper describes the search for semiarid typical biological sources for the stereoselective reduction of β-keto esters. In this study, cactus (Opuntia fícus-indica (L.) Miller) and cushcush (Dioscorea trifida L.) were tested for the first time. The results showed these biocatalysts were able to reduce the β-keto moiety with moderate to good conversions and selectivities.