Anyone who has been to Mexico or loves Mexican cuisine has surely come across nopales. They are the edible pods of the nopal cactus - and they have a surprising number of health benefits.
Stinging, but satisfying...
Although it may seem a little scary to those who are not familiar with it, many people around the world eat cactus as a vegetable.
Nopal cactus is very common in Mexican cuisine and is enjoyed throughout Latin America, dating back to the Aztecs and Mayans. If you're intimidated by barbed wire, fear not - the tough skin of young cactus buds (nopales) is removed before cooking!
Traditionally, nopales are prepared by thoroughly rinsing the cactus sap before chopping it up and adding it to everything from tacos to salads. They can also be enjoyed as a main course, and are especially good grilled. Many people compare them to green peppers in texture and appearance.
If you visit Mexico, you will likely come across nopales planted in pots on doorposts or balconies, or in the wonderful markets in almost every city. Look for them along Mexican highways or in gardens for their round pads with pink, thorny fruits. They grow especially well in volcanic areas and in sierras.
Alternatively, the cactus can come to you! In Mexico, it is common for older women to sell nopales door-to-door using buckets they carry on their heads. Overall, the nopal cactus industry is worth about $150 million US and employs 10,000 people.
In the United States, you'll likely find canned or pickled nopales in the supermarket, or you'll look for dried cactus or cactus juice.
How to enjoy nopales
Nopal cactus is a surprisingly versatile addition to many different dishes. Whether you try it in the aforementioned tacos and salads or decide to combine it with shrimp or potatoes, it adds a satisfying note to many recipes. Eggs with nopal (nopal and eggs) is a popular Mexican breakfast eaten with homemade salsa.
Today, the nopal cactus is also used to make traditional sweets.
If you want to try nopales, you can also consider using them topically. Similar to aloe vera, nopal juice has a soothing effect on the skin and is often used as a home remedy for insect bites and minor cuts.
Two other numerous uses are the reinforcement of plasters and the production of paints in pre-Hispanic times.