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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
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.
| Farmers Bottega | San Diego CA | 619-306-8963 |
| The Monsaraz | San Diego CA | 858-760-6228 |
| Miguel's Cocina Coronado | Coronado CA | 619-437-4237 |
| The Wild Thyme Company | San Diego CA | 858-527-0226 |
| Viejas Casino Grove Steakhouse | Alpine CA | 800-295-3172 |
| Rancho Valencia | Del Mar CA | 858-756-1123 |
| Golden Door | San Marcos CA | 760-761-4142 |
| Barrel Republic Oceanside | Oceanside CA | 760-435-0042 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Nopales Cactus Leaf. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Durable Health |
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Fava Bean + Nopales Soup |
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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Little Italy Farmers Market
Gaytan Family Farm
Near San Diego, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 19 days ago, 10/02/21 
Leucadia Farmer's Market
Gaytan Family Farm
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesRiverside, CA About 32 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 127 days ago, 6/16/21 Sharer's comments : Freshly cut nopales ready to enjoy today :) 
Country Farm Market
Near Mountlake Terrace, Washington, United StatesAbout 159 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 218 days ago, 3/17/21 
PCC Community Markets
PCC Natural Markets - Fremont
Near Seattle, Washington, United States600 N 34th St Seattle WA 98103 206-632-6811 https://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com About 543 days ago, 4/26/20 Sharer's comments : Super-food due to its antioxidant and cholesterol reducing properties. Lovely diced, sautéed and added to tacos! 
Northgate Gonzalez Markets
Northgate Market - Lincoln Ave
Near Anaheim, California, United States2030 E. Lincoln Ave. Anaheim CA 92806 714-507-7640 https://www.northgatemarkets.com About 635 days ago, 1/25/20 Sharer's comments : Beautiful display. 
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 639 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 640 days ago, 1/20/20 
Food City
Food City - Southern Ave
Limassol, Cyprus4727 E Southern Ave Phoenix AZ 85042 602-438-4647 http://www.myfoodcity.com About 641 days ago, 1/19/20 
El Super
El Super - E Southern Ave
Near Mesa, Arizona, United States1251 E Southern Ave Mesa AZ 85204 480-868-2484 http://www.elsupermarkets.com About 652 days ago, 1/07/20 |
