Sources:
Enter the
Share Market®
Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Xoconostle cactus fruit grows at the end of nopales, or cactus paddles, sometimes in clusters of up to a dozen on one paddle. Xoconostle cactus fruit is pear-shaped, tapering to a point. The small fruit is 5 to 7 centimeters long and around 4 to 5 centimeters in diameter. It has a pale green skin with a muddled hue and will attain a pale pink blush once ripe. Xoconostle cactus fruit, like its prickly pear cousin, is covered in clusters of small spines that once removed, leave little circular scars. The flesh of this cactus fruit variety is bright green to a pale peach or pink and has a smooth, juicy texture. The seed cavity of the Xoconostle is centralized, whereas other prickly pear varieties have seeds embedded throughout the flesh. The bright red center of the Xoconostle cactus fruit has a few dozen, small edible seeds that have an appearance similar to the seeds of a passion fruit. The flavor is described as complex with a sour tang and an acidic finish.
Seasons/Availability
Xoconostle cactus fruit is available at the end of the summer and through the fall months.
Current Facts
Xoconostle (pronounced choko-nose-leh) cactus fruit is a sour prickly pear variety, botanically classified as Opuntia matudae. The name “xococ” in the ancient Nahuatl language means ‘sour’ which differentiated it from the sweet cactus fruits of other Opuntia species. They are sometimes called Tuna Agria. Xoconostle cactus fruit is one of the few sources of betalain, a phytonutrient responsible for the deep red color of the seeds and red blush on the fruit. The pigment also gives red beets their rich burgundy color.
Nutritional Value
Xoconostle cactus fruit is rich in fiber, vitamin C and calcium, as well as phytonutrients like betalains that offer anti-oxidant benefits. Xoconostle cactus fruit along with red beets, are one of the few sources of the pigment betalain (or betacyanin) which has both anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties. The antioxidant properties of the Xoconostle seeds (where the red pigment is concentrated) are believed to be higher than that of raspberries, red plums and strawberries. The seeds have a higher fiber content than the flesh of the Xoconostle cactus fruit. The sour cactus fruit also contains carotenoids and vitamin E.
Applications
Xoconostle cactus fruit lends a sour flavor to sauces and salsas, as well as the traditional mole sauce, Mole de Olla, in Mexico. Remove the peel to use the raw flesh for pureeing or roasting, or roast the Xoconostle cactus fruit whole in the oven or on a traditional clay comal. Cut the fruit in half and scoop out the seeds and flesh. Xoconostle cactus fruit is often used in savory applications but can be used to make jellies and jams or chutneys. Use the flesh of the Xoconostle cactus fruit to make beverages, like green juices and smoothies. Xoconostle cactus fruit juice would make an idea marinade or salsa for chicken, pork or fish dishes. Peeled, deseeded and sautéed Xoconostle is added to a molcajete with peppers, garlic and onion to make salsa de borracha (rubber salsa). The fruit can be candied or dehydrated to preserve. Xoconostle cactus fruit will keep for up to five days in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In Mexico, Xoconostle cactus fruit is found both in the wild, as well as in home gardens and is cultivated. Xoconostle are sprinkled with chile powder and lemon juice and dehydrated for a snack. The juice of the sour cactus fruit is used to make traditional aguas frescas and to flavor homemade pulque (the liquid of the mescal plant). Commercially, Xoconostle cactus fruit is used to make jams, liquor, and syrups.
Geography/History
Xoconostle cactus fruit is native to Central Mexico, and has likely been used for thousands of years by the indigenous peoples of Mexico. They are prolific in semi-arid highlands of northern and central Mexico, as well as regions along the Gulf of California. Over 15 recognized cultivars of Xoconostle cactus exist in Mexico, though there may be other wild varieties unknown to botanists. Two commercial varieties are cultivated, Cuaresmeño and Burro. Commercial use of the fruit for making beverages and foods is limited to the use of the flesh, leaving the seeds and peel to waste. Because of the high fiber and antioxidant benefits of the seeds and skin, research is being conducted to encourage companies to utilize the whole fruit. Availability of Xoconostle cactus fruit is limited to its native region, specialty stores and small farms and farmer’s markets in Mexico and the Southwestern United States. They are found growing in the wild throughout their native region.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Xoconostle Cactus Fruit. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| M-A-R |
|
Xoconostle Pico de Gallo |
| Mexico In My Kitchen |
|
Mole de Olla |
| M-A-R |
|
Mole from Xico a Sweet Mole |
| Mexico in My Kitchen |
|
Mole de Olla |
Recently Shared
People have shared Xoconostle Cactus Fruit using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
|
Northgate Gonzalez Markets
Northgate Market - Bristol Street
Near Santa Ana, California, United States1120 S Bristol Street Santa Ana CA 92704 714-957-2529 https://www.northgatemarket.com About 246 days ago, 1/25/20 
La Carreta
La Carreta Supermarkets
Near Villa Park, California, United States4637 E Chapman Ave Orange CA 92869 714-771-1595 http://www.lacarretasupermarkets.com About 246 days ago, 1/25/20 
Superior Market
Superior Grocers - Long Beach
Near Long Beach, California, United States1033 Long Beach Blvd Long Beach CA 90813 562-436-2510 https://www.superiorgrocers.com About 246 days ago, 1/25/20 
Cardenas Markets
Cardenas Market - El Centro
Near El Centro, California, United States1620 N Imperial Ave El Centro CA 92243 760-482-0139 https://www.cardenasmarkets.com About 250 days ago, 1/21/20 
El Rancho Market
El Rancho Market - Arizona Ave
Near Glendale, Arizona, United States1076 N Arizona Ave Chandler AZ 85225 480-792-1414 http://www.elrancho.iga.com About 251 days ago, 1/20/20 
Los Altos Ranch Markets
Los Altos Ranch Market - Indian School Road
Near Phoenix, Arizona, United States3223 W Indian School Road Phoenix AZ 85017 602-264-8002 https://www.losaltosranchmarket.com About 264 days ago, 1/07/20 
Los Altos Ranch Markets
Los Altos Ranch Market
Near Glendale, Arizona, United States3415 W Glendale Ave Phoenix AZ 85051 602-841-0346 About 265 days ago, 1/06/20 
Balboa International Market
Near San Diego, CA, United StatesAbout 307 days ago, 11/25/19 
Cardenas Markets
Cardenas Market - High Street
Near Alameda, California, United States1630 High Street Oakland CA 94601 510-532-2654 www.cardenasnarkets.com About 420 days ago, 8/04/19 
Las Montanas #3 Supermarket
Las Montanas Supermarket
Near San Pablo, California, United States13901 San Pablo Ave San Pablo CA 94806 510-965-1507 www.lasmontanasnarkets.com About 422 days ago, 8/02/19 
Mi Familia market
Near Napa, California, United StatesAbout 422 days ago, 8/02/19 
La Morenita
La Morenita Market
Near Napa, California, United States2434 Jefferson Street Napa CA 94558 707-255-9068 About 434 days ago, 7/21/19 
Azteca Markets
Azteca Market - Napa
Near Napa, California, United States2995 Jefferson Street Napa CA 94558 707-266-1333 About 434 days ago, 7/21/19 
Casa Lucas
Casa Lucas Market
Near San Francisco, California, United States2934 24th Street San Francisco CA 94110 415-826-4334 About 441 days ago, 7/14/19 
Cardenas
Cardenas Market
Near Corona, California, United States301 S Lincoln Ave Corona CA 92882 951-371-9030 About 455 days ago, 6/30/19 
La Carreta
La Carreta Supermarkets
Near Villa Park, California, United States4637 E Chapman Ave Orange CA 92869 714-771-1595 About 455 days ago, 6/30/19 
Vallarta Supermarket
Vallarta Supermarkets - Foothill Blvd
Near San Fernando, California, United States13820 Foothill Blvd Sylmar CA 91342 818-362-7577 About 456 days ago, 6/29/19 
Buy Low Market
Buy Low Market - State College Blvd
Near Anaheim, California, United States1086 N State College Blvd. Anaheim CA 92806 714-991-9839 About 463 days ago, 6/22/19 
El Super
El Super - Anaheim Blvd
Near Anaheim, California, United States1222 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim CA 92805 714-518-5496 About 463 days ago, 6/22/19 
Northgate Gonzalez Markets
Northgate Market - 4th Street
Near Santa Ana, California, United States409 E. 4th Street Santa Ana CA 92701 714-647-9310 About 464 days ago, 6/21/19 
Vista Farmers Market
Vista Farmers Market
Near Vista, California, United StatesVista, Ca 325 S Melrose Dr, Vista 92081-6627 1-760-945-7425 About 554 days ago, 3/23/19 Sharer's comments : Xoconostle Cactus Fruit spotted at Vista Farmers Market. 
Vista Farmers Market
Vista Farmers Market
Near Vista, California, United StatesVista, Ca 325 S Melrose Dr, Vista 92081-6627 1-760-945-7425 About 624 days ago, 1/12/19 Sharer's comments : Xoconostle Cactus Fruit spotted at Vista Farmers Market. 
Vista Farmers Market
Rancho Mexico Lindo
Near Vista, California, United States12912 Rancho Vista Court, Valley Center 92082 About 652 days ago, 12/15/18 Sharer's comments : Xoconostle Cactus Fruit spotted at Vista Farmers Market. 
Vista Farmers Market
Rancho Mexico Lindo
Near Vista, California, United States12912 Rancho Vista Court, Valley Center 92082 About 687 days ago, 11/10/18 Sharer's comments : Xoconostle Cactus Fruit spotted at Vista Farmers Market. |
