Edible Prickly Pear Cactus

~ By Mickey Mom ~

Succulents aren't one of my favorite topics but I do have fond memories of my Grandma preparing Prickly Pear Pads. This particular one is known as nopales (no-PAH-les) and they are popular in Mexican cooking. Grandma would purchase the pads/paddles at a little Mexican market around the corner from her house in E. Los Angeles.

You have to trim the "eyes", little stickers, and gummy substance that oozes out, then sauté in butter or steam them, but don't cook them too long or they will lose their crunchy texture. The flavour is similar to asparagus or green peppers.

They're good for you because they contain, iron, calcium, Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, with some Vitamin B thrown in for good measure along with fiber

They were okay but I prefer the Prickly Pear Fruit. Oh Yum!

The fruit can get up to 4 inches and are shaped somewhat like an avocado. They are sweet and juicy with yellow to dark red flesh. You can just peel and eat but better have a big napkin handy because the juice will run down your chin!

Or you can chop them up for fruit salad, use as a topping, and puree for a smoothie. They make a wonderful salsa also.

My Joanie had several of these cactus around her home in Palm Springs and I tried to time my visits for when the fruit was ripe. I never messed with the pads tho. The flowers are huge and absolutely gorgeous.

If you ever get the chance to try the fruit, I encourage you to do so. They really are quite a treat.

         

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