If you've ever had nopal cactus, then you know that this unique plant is a vegetable and also provides a fruit called the pear. The popular Mexican cactus is known to have tons of health benefits and can be served raw or cooked in soups and other hot meals.
If you aren't familiar with this fascinating cactus then you are missing out on its many benefits. Keep reading to find out what they are!
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Nopales been found in Mexico, South America, California, and other parts of the world. They may seem intimidating to eat at first because like all cacti, it has thorns that can hurt if you prick your hand on them. Don't let that keep your from indulging in the delicious prickly pads from the plant.
Below are some things you should know about the nopal and its amazing health benefits:
It's a plant, a fruit, and a flower: The leaves on this cactus are flat and oval, while the fruit part is named nopales or "Tuna" as it is called South America.
It can grow taller in deserts than farms: The plant can reach up to 15 feet high, but farmers try to control them and only let them reach about five feet.
There is a right way to choose a nopal: To ensure that you are getting the best quality, the leaves padding must be soft. The harder it is, the older the cactus is and less pleasant tasting it will be.
Follow these steps to prepare: Wash under cold water, and use a vegetable peeler or small knife to get rid of the thorns. Once it's been dethorned, you can chop them anyway you wish and add to your favorite soups or stews.
It can be juiced: This powerful plant provides lots of vitamin C and antioxidants to boost your immune system and makes a good juicing base. It is also known to reduce inflammations.
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