Cacti Looking Sharp on Your Dinner Plate!

Not just for desert dwellers anymore.

Healthier People and a Healthier Planet,” here’s your quick read on why and how you should eat cacti. In particular, we’re talking about Nopales, a cactus species that has been used in traditionally in Mexican cuisine, but is now become more widely popular in the United States and Europe. 

For starters, this plant wins big points for it’s ability to grow in arid climates and tolerate drought, due to the succulent’s ability to store water. And as we look into the future of farming, sustainable crops and more diverse diets will be key in maintaining a healthy planet. 

In addition, you can count on a healthy does of  vitamins C and E, carotenoids, fibre and amino acids in each serving of this often called “prickly pear.” The juice extracted from Nopales has been said to act as an immunes system booster and has anti-inflammatory properties. And the vitamins and flavonoids found in this vegetable are suggested to protect against skin, lung, and oral cavity cancers.

As we look forward to seeing this plant pop up more in produce departments of supermarkets and as ingredients in restaurant dishes, here is a great article with 22 different ways to use this vegetable.

And remember, if you try a dish with cacti, we’d love to hear from you on our Facebook page. Pictures please!