Anyone who has spent time in Mexico or loves Mexican cuisine has undoubtedly encountered nopales. These are the edible petals of the nopal cactus—and they have a surprising array of health benefits.
Spiky but satisfying...
While it may seem a bit intimidating to those unfamiliar with it, many people around the world eat cactus as a vegetable.
The nopal cactus is very popular in Mexican cuisine and is consumed throughout Latin America, with a history dating back to the Aztecs and Mayans. If the thorns bother you, fear not—the tough skin of young nopales is removed before cooking!
Traditionally, nopales are prepared by thoroughly rinsing the petals before chopping them and adding them to everything from tacos to salads. They can also be eaten as a main course and are especially delicious grilled. Many people compare them to green bell peppers in terms of texture and appearance.
If you visit Mexico, you'll likely encounter nopales planted in jars on doorways or balconies, or at the wonderful markets in almost every city. Along Mexican highways or in gardens, look out for the rounded stems topped with pink, spiky fruit. It thrives especially well in volcanic regions and chaparrals.
Alternatively, the cactus can come to you! In Mexico, elderly women often sell nopales door-to-door, transporting them using buckets carried on their heads. Overall, the nopal cactus industry is worth approximately $150 million and provides jobs for 10,000 people.
In the United States, you'll likely be able to find canned or pickled nopales in the supermarket, or look for dried cactus or cactus juice.
How to enjoy nopales
The nopal cactus is a surprisingly versatile addition to a wide variety of dishes. Whether you try it in the aforementioned tacos and salads or choose to pair it with shrimp or potatoes, it adds a satisfying flavor to many recipes. Huevos con nopal (nopal and eggs) is a popular Mexican breakfast, eaten with homemade salsas.
Nowadays, the nopal cactus is also used to produce traditional sweets.
If you'd like to try nopales, you might also consider applying them topically. Like 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 of its other countless uses include firming plaster and producing dyes in pre-Hispanic times.