Anyone who has stayed in Mexico or loves Mexican cuisine has come across nopales. They are the edible pads of the nopal cactus, and they are surprisingly healthy.
Spicy, but filling...
Although it may seem a little scary to those unfamiliar, many people around the world eat cacti as vegetables.
Nopal cactus is very common in Mexican cuisine and is a favorite throughout Latin America, with origins dating back to Aztec and Mayan times. If spines bother you, fear not - the hard skin of young cactus pads (nopales) is removed before cooking!
Traditionally, nopales are prepared by thoroughly rinsing the pads, then slicing them and adding them to a variety of dishes, from tacos to salads. They can also be enjoyed as a main course and are especially delicious grilled. Many people compare them to green peppers in texture and appearance.
If you visit Mexico, you'll likely come across nopales planted in boxes on doorsteps or balconies, or in the wonderful markets in almost every city. Look for their round pads with pink, prickly fruits along Mexican highways or in gardens. They grow especially well in volcanic regions and chaparral.
Or the cactus can come to you! In Mexico, it is common for elderly women to sell nopales door-to-door, carrying them in buckets on their heads. Overall, the nopal cactus industry is worth an estimated $150 million and employs 10,000 people.
In the US, you may be able to find canned or pickled nopales at the supermarket, or look for dried cactus or cactus juice.
How to enjoy nopales
Nopal cactus is a surprisingly versatile addition to many different dishes. Whether you use it in the tacos and salads mentioned above, or choose to combine it with shrimp or potatoes, it will add a satisfying kick to many recipes. Eggs with nopal (nopal and eggs) is a popular Mexican breakfast eaten with homemade salsa.
Nowadays, traditional sweets are also made from the nopal cactus.
If you want to try nopales, you can also consider applying them topically. Similar to aloe vera juice, nopales juice soothes the skin and is often used as a home remedy for insect bites and minor cuts.
Two more of its countless uses are the strengthening of plaster and the production of dyes in pre-Hispanic times.