NOPALES

Prickly Pear Cactus or edible cactus is also known as nopales (no-PAH-les), nopalitos or cactus pads.

This edible cactus has fleshy oval leaves (typically called pads or paddles). Nopales pads are about 5 inches long, 3-4 inches wide and up to about 1/2 inch thick. Their unique taste combines the flavors of green beans, sweet peppers and asparagus, with a citrusy 'bite.' The texture is soft yet crunchy, with the slipperiness of okra.

They are an excellent source of Vitamins A and C, with moderate amount of B vitamins and iron.

This vegetable is popular in Mexico and other Central American countries, parts of Europe, the Middle East, India, North Africa and Australia. Its popularity is increasing in the United States where it can be found at Mexican grocery stores, specialty produce markets and farmer’s markets.

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