Cactus, that is. Warning: not all cacti are edible. The edible cactus are known as the "pads" or stem, flat portion of a cactus. In Mexico, they are best known as nopales. They can be cut and eaten raw tossed in salads, boiled, or stir-fried. When in touch with your taste buds, it gives off a tart, dull lemony flavor with a crisp texture.I think it was more than just a coincidence that I encountered either the topic of eating cactus, saw cactus pads at a local Mexican superstore, and actually had the opportunity to consume it all in one week's time. I have a coworker who eats cactus all the time for health benefits and she was telling me how to cook it the other day. Then I visited the parents one day off work and lo and behold! My mom cooked cactus! I can't explain the taste of it enough in words. It was delicious, if you like crispy, tart flavor in your dishes. She had stir-fried it with flank steak. I also heard you can toss it in your salads, or stir fry it with eggs,tomatoes, or even put it in your tacos.
I am determined to cook it myself one day. But you can also buy the nopales freshly cut at a local mexican store or farmer's market. I wanted to find out what the health benefits are to eating this desert plant. Here's the low down: (if eaten in regularity).
- been consumed for over 12,000 years for health and healing
- helps lower blood sugar level
- reduce cholesterol
- prevent stroke
- suitable for colon cleansing
- heals ulcers
- high in antioxidants including Vitamins A, B, C
- can even cure a hangover!
Since I've never cooked it myself, it would do me injustice to post ingredients and instructions. But I found this really good site that will make you go crazy about eating cactus! check it out here ------>http://www.wikihow.com/How-to-Eat-Prickly-Pear-Cactus
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