How to eat Opuntia Ficus-Indica AKA Nopales

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Opuntia Ficus-Indica is the most commonly eaten cactus. In Mexico this cactus is known as a "Nopal" and called "Nopales" when cooked. As with all cacti, the fruit from this cactus is also edible and known as "prickly pears" or "Tunas".

Each segment of the Nopal cactus is usually referred to as a pad or a paddle. The younger and more tender pads are the ones normally eaten. Once the spines are cut off, they can be steamed, boiled, broiled, or grilled. Cooked nopales are great by themselves, mixed with pico de gallo, cooked in a tomato sauce, and anazing with eggs. The pads are often juiced or put in smoothies raw also.

I love to simply grill the whole pads with a little oil and salt, and usually eat it with some hot sauce. This is a great side dish!

Nopales are extremely nutritious and actually quite medicinal. They are often consumed to help decrease blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and lower cholesterol.