Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
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.
| Chefs SD | San Diego CA | 619-709-6708 |
| Mission Pacific | Oceanside CA | 760-450-7864 |
| Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar | Oceanside CA | 619-297-3100 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Alila Marea Beach Resort | Encinitas CA | 805-539-9719 |
| Oak and Elixir | Carlsbad CA | 760-473-1097 |
| Tahona (Kitchen) | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Nopales Cactus Leaf. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Nopales Cactus Leaf 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.
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Leucadia Farmers Market
Valley Center Growers Inc.
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesEscondido, CA About 16 days ago, 5/01/22 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Cabrals farm
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 17 days ago, 4/30/22 
Joshua Tree Farmer's Market
Valley Center Growers Inc.
Near Joshua Tree, California, United StatesEscondido, CA About 38 days ago, 4/09/22 
Little Italy Mercato
Gaytan Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 80 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 177 days ago, 11/21/21 
Little Italy Farmers Market
Gaytan Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 227 days ago, 10/02/21 
Leucadia Farmer's Market
Gaytan Family Farm
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 240 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 335 days ago, 6/16/21 Sharer's comments : Freshly cut nopales ready to enjoy today :) 
Country Farm Market
Near Mountlake Terrace, Washington, United StatesAbout 368 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 426 days ago, 3/17/21 |
