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Fun Facts about Prickly Pear Cactus from Garden Guy

The Prickly Pear Cactus

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia)

This cactus is well-adapted to the arid regions of Texas. It’s not only a hardy plant but also produces edible fruits.

Nopal is a common name in Spanish for Opuntia cacti

More fun facts about this…

Prickly pear cactus, also known as nopales, is not only resilient but also versatile in the kitchen.

Here are some ways to enjoy eating prickly pear cactus:

Raw-  Peel and remove the spines, then slice the nopales for a fresh, crunchy addition to salads or as a topping for tacos.

Grilled or Roasted- Grill or roast nopales with some olive oil, garlic, and your favorite seasonings. This method adds a smoky flavor and a tender texture.

Stir-Fry-  Include sliced or diced nopales in your favorite stir-fry for a unique and nutritious twist.

Smoothies-  Blend nopales into your smoothies for a boost of nutrients. Make sure to remove the spines and dice them before adding to the blender.

Nopales Salsa-  Combine diced nopales with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños to create a flavorful salsa.

Pickled Nopales- Pickling nopales is a popular method. Boil the nopales, then pickle them with vinegar, garlic, and spices for a tangy treat.

Nopales Tacos-  Saute or grill nopales and use them as a filling for tacos. Top with your favorite salsa and garnishes.

Nopales Omelette- Add diced nopales to your morning omelet for a nutritious and unique breakfast.

Soup- Incorporate nopales into soups, adding a distinctive texture and flavor to your favorite recipes.

Nopales Salad- Create a refreshing salad with diced nopales, tomatoes, avocados, and a light vinaigrette.

When preparing nopales, ensure you carefully remove the spines and glochids (tiny hair-like prickles). It’s recommended to blanch or cook nopales before consumption to eliminate their natural sliminess.

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by

Todd Farber, Aggie Horticulturist + Expert Landscaper

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