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Nopales Cactus Leaf
Inventory, 30 lbs : 14.99
This item was last sold on : 10/03/22
Description/Taste
Nopales, pronounced noh-pahl-es, are the pads or cladodes of the common edible cactus, ficus-indica. Harvested young for tenderness, the pads have sharp spines across its entirety that need to be handled carefully and removed before cooking and consumption. Large and mostly flat, the pads are usually only about half an inch thick and oval in shape. Nopales should be moderately bright green when fresh and fade to a muted olive green after cooking. The texture of Nopales is tender and slightly gelatinous with a tender toothsome crunch.
Seasons/Availability
Nopales are available year-round with a peak season in mid-spring.
Current Facts
Nopales, botanically classified as Opuntia ficus-indica, was a source of nutritious food for Native Americans. This cacti was once used as a host plant for cochineal insects. Consuming the cacti moisture and nutrients turned the insects vibrant red, after which they would be processed for use in food grade dyes.
Nutritional Value
Nopales is an excellent source of vitamin A, C and B. Nopales cactus contains a large amount of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to high concentrations of the bioflavonoid quercetin. Nopales is being studied as a possible treatment for type 2 diabetes due to its highly effective ability to stabilize the blood glucose levels in patients who consumed moderated amounts daily.
Applications
Nopales must always have its spines carefully removed before further preparations can be executed. Usually cooked, Nopales can be very refreshing and benefitting when blended raw with pineapple, orange and parsley for a morning smoothie. Blanched and sauteed with chorizo, Nopales make for a traditional accompaniment to eggs in the morning. Add to tortilla or chicken soup for texture and viscosity. Nopales are commonly blanched in salt water and added to salads with corn, fried jalapenos and black beans for a hearty lunch or light dinner. Fresh Nopales can be preserved by many methods, including pickled, canned, dehydrated or frozen.
Geography/History
Nopales is native to central Mexico, where evidence was found of its consumption as a food dating back 9,000 years. Nopales are commonly cultivated today in tropical and subtropical America, Mediterranean, tropical Africa, India and southeast Asia.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| Ron Oliver | San Diego | 619-295-3172 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
| Brigantine Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-481-1166 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Miguel's Cocina Carlsbad | Carlsbad CA | 760-759-1843 |
| Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe | Rancho Santa Fe CA | 858-759-6063 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Nopales Cactus Leaf. One
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MedellĂn, Colombia
LegumbrerĂa La Frescura
Near Itagui, Antioquia, ColombiaPlaza La America Medellin 479-6915 About 113 days ago, 6/15/22 
Hillcrest Farmers Market
R&L Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesRamona, CA About 116 days ago, 6/12/22 
City Heights Farmers Market
Bernardino Loera Farms
Near San Diego, California, United StatesFallbrook, CA About 131 days ago, 5/28/22 
Leucadia Farmers Market
Valley Center Growers Inc.
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesEscondido, CA About 158 days ago, 5/01/22 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Cabrals farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 159 days ago, 4/30/22 
Joshua Tree Farmer's Market
Valley Center Growers Inc.
Near Joshua Tree, California, United StatesEscondido, CA About 180 days ago, 4/09/22 
Little Italy Mercato
Gaytan Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 222 days ago, 2/26/22 
Redland Market Square Farmers Market
Redland Market Village
Near Princeton, Florida, United States24420 S Dixie Hwy Homestead FL 33032 1-305-257-4335 https://redlandmarketvillage.com About 319 days ago, 11/21/21 
Little Italy Farmers Market
Gaytan Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 369 days ago, 10/02/21 
Leucadia Farmer's Market
Gaytan Family Farm
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 382 days ago, 9/19/21 Sharer's comments : Freshly picked diced cactus 🌵 
Huntington Park Farmers Market
Gaytan Family Farm
Near Bell, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 477 days ago, 6/16/21 Sharer's comments : Freshly cut nopales ready to enjoy today :) 
Country Farm Market
Near Mountlake Terrace, Washington, United StatesAbout 510 days ago, 5/14/21 Sharer's comments : Once you carefully remove the spines, this is a potent vitamin filled anti-inflammatory vegetable! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Cabrals Farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 568 days ago, 3/17/21 |
