Anyone who has spent time in Mexico, or loves Mexican cuisine, will have come across nopales. These are the edible pads of the nopal cactus - and they come with a surprising array of health benefits.
Spiky, yet satisfying...
While it might seem a bit intimidating to those unfamiliar with it, many people around the world eat cactus as a vegetable.
The nopal cactus is very common in Mexican cuisine and is enjoyed throughout Latin America, dating back to the Aztec and Maya people. If you alarmed by the spines, fear not - the tough skin of the young cactus pads (nopales) are removed before cooking!
Traditionally, nopales are prepared by rinsing the pads thoroughly before chopping and adding to all sorts of foods, from tacos to salads. They can also be enjoyed as a main, and are especially nice grilled. Many people compare them to green pepper in terms of texture and appearance.
If you visit Mexico, you are likely to come across nopales planted in cans on doorsteps or balconies, or in the wonderful markets in nearly every town. Look out for their round pads, topped with pink, spiky fruit, along Mexican highways or in gardens. It fares especially well in volcanic regions and chaparrals.
Alternatively, the cactus may come to you! In Mexico, it's common for older women to sell nopales door-to-door, transporting them using buckets carried on their heads. All told, the nopal cactus industry is worth around USD$150 million and provides jobs for 10,000 people.
In the US, you will probably be able to find canned or pickled nopales in the supermarket, or look for dried cactus or cactus juice.
How to enjoy nopales
Nopal cactus is a surprisingly versatile accompaniment to many different dishes. Whether you try it in the aforementioned tacos and salads, or decide to pair it with shrimp or potatoes, it adds a satisfying note to many recipes. Huevos con nopal (nopal and eggs) is a popular Mexican breakfast, eaten with homemade salsas.
Today, nopal cactus is also used to make traditional sweets.
If you would like to try nopales, you could also consider using them topically. Much like aloe vera, nopal juice feels soothing on the skin and is often used as a home remedy for insect bites and small cuts.
Two of its other myriad uses include firming up plaster, and the production of dyes in pre-Hispanic times.
