Nopal

What Is Nopal?

Nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica) is the flat, fleshy young leaves (pads) of the prickly pear cactus; it's one of the staple vegetables of Mexican cuisine. The fruit of the same plant is known as "cactus fig."

It's green, juicy, and has a slightly sour-peppery taste; when cooked, its texture resembles fresh green beans. Before use, the spines and small barbs on its surface are carefully cleaned off.

Nutritional Values of Nopal

100 g of raw nopal contains about 16 kcal of energy and 3.6 g of fiber; it's rich in calcium and a very low-calorie vegetable. It's nearly fat-free.

What Are the Benefits of Nopal?

With its very low calorie, fiber, and calcium content, nopal can be considered a light part of a balanced diet.

This information is general; nopal is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Nopal?

Good nopal is a leaf that is thin, firm, bright green, and young; thick, pale, and wilted pads are more fibrous. Small-to-medium sized leaves are softer.

• The leaf should be thin, firm, and bright green
• Small-to-medium sized ones are softer
• Wilted and pale examples should not be bought

How Should Nopal Be Stored?

Nopal is stored in a perforated bag in the refrigerator for about 1 week; if its spines have been cleaned off, it should be consumed sooner. It can also be boiled, drained, and kept for a few more days.

Using Nopal in the Kitchen

After the spines are removed, nopal is cut into strips or cubes and used grilled, sautéed, in salads, and in egg dishes. To reduce the slimy liquid it releases while cooking, it's boiled and drained or grilled at high heat.

How Is Nopal Cleaned?

The leaf is held steady while the spines and barbs are scraped off with a knife blade and the edges trimmed; it's then washed and chopped. Wearing gloves during this process prevents pricking.

How Is Nopal's Sliminess Reduced?

Chopped nopal is boiled in salted water and drained, or grilled at high heat; this process noticeably reduces the slimy liquid it releases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are nopal and cactus fig the same?

They're different parts of the same plant; nopal is the edible leaf (pad), while cactus fig is the sweet fruit of the same cactus.

What does nopal taste like?

It has a slightly sour, peppery taste reminiscent of fresh green beans; depending on the cooking method it turns soft or slightly crisp.

Is nopal eaten raw?

Thinly sliced, it can be used raw in small amounts in salads; but it's mostly consumed boiled or grilled and cooked.