Actually Nopal or Nopales is made from the Opunti Cacti leaves. There are many sources of edible cactus in Mexico and the leaves are generally sold fresh there. They are, however, bottled or canned and sold elsewhere. I have bought them in North 
Carolina. The nopalitos, I read, are made from the Prickly Pear fruit of the cactus. The jar I have is called nopalitos and is definitely from the cactus leaf. I like them, Matt doesn’t. There is so much information about them on Wiki and what they are used for that I suggest you follow the link if you need to know more. I am finding it a tad confusing. The slices are what you end up eating with all the prickly bits removed. I believe they are imported into Canada, I just haven’t found a source yet though. I recently found a jar in my store cupboard which I had forgotten I had.Nopales Salad or Cactus Paddle Salad
Food.com
If you can't get fresh nopales, you can substitute a 12 - 15 ounce jar of the cactus pieces, drained. If you can't find Mexican queso fresco, you can substitue feta cheese--but the feta may be
saltier than the queso so adjust your seasoning. Ingredients
Servings 4- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 4 medium nopales, trimmed, scraped, cut into strips
- 1 large tomato, cored, peeled, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 6 fresh cilantro stems, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1⁄8 teaspoon oregano
- 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
- 8 romaine lettuce leaves
- 3 tablespoons queso fresco, Mexican, crumbled
- 2 pickled jalapeno peppers, drained, sliced
- 8 radishes, thinly sliced
Directions
- Heat 6 inches of water and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt to a boil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the cactus and boil, uncovered, until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Drain the cactus and transfer it to a large bowl.
- Add tomato, onion and cilantro; set aside.
- Whisk together the oil, vinegar, oregano and salt; pour over the vegetables and toss.
- Line a platter with lettuce leaves; top with salad; sprinkle with cheese; garnish with jalapenos and radish slices.
Hi Jo - it's something I've never tried or had .. I guess it's got a specific taste ... and may well be one I'd enjoy. It's been interesting to read about Nopal though ..cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteThe ones I have had have all be in jars, pickled in one way or another. A very delicate taste but I love them.
DeleteNever heard of this Nopal. Looks interesting though.
ReplyDeleteIt's a very Mexican thing. Only place I know of that eats them.
DeleteI enjoy adding nopales to my still life paintings but haven't eaten them yet. I saw some interesting concoctions created using them on the TV show Chopped recently. Still, I have not desire to eat them but perhaps one day they'll happen to find their way on my plate.
ReplyDeleteThey don't have a strong taste Stephanie, but I have always enjoyed them. But only ever seen them, in jars, in NC.
DeleteNever ever heard of this or even eating any cactus. Not even when I've visited desert areas.
ReplyDeleteSeems to be a Mexican thing Denise. I first found them in a Piggly Wiggly.
DeleteI had no idea that cactus could be edible.
ReplyDeleteI believe they are a pain to prepare from fresh though.
DeleteSo very interesting! I had never heard of nopals but I'd be curious to try them. I'll have to see if I can buy them around here......
ReplyDeleteProbably not Elise. The ones I have eaten came in jars.
DeleteI don't believe I've ever eaten cactus before.
ReplyDeleteI used to buy them in Piggly Wiggly. Matt didn't like them but I love them.
DeleteI haven't heard of this before; I think I have seen some cactus at the store but was afraid to get it, not knowing what to do with it :)
ReplyDeletebetty
I don't know what to do with the paddles (leaves) but I have eaten the prepared and pickled nopales.
DeleteCactus. One plant I've never eaten. Like betty, I wouldn;t know what to do with it.
ReplyDeleteIf you buy it in jars, it's easy. Eat as they are or add to salads.
DeleteThough I have a catus in my garden, I have never eaten one! Lisa, co-host AtoZ 2015, @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com
ReplyDeleteDon't know if it's all cactus or just some Lisa.
DeleteI may have had cactus once. Maybe. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a very delicate taste, almost bland.
DeleteThank goodness the prickly things are taken out-that would be not a nice thing to swallow:) I have never heard of this or tried it. I love prickly pears but I did not know about the "leaves". How does it taste? Can you describe it?
ReplyDeleteWell I have only had them from a jar Birgit. The pickling gave them a flavour. It's very delicate - hubby disliked them intensely. They are almost slimy in texture.
DeleteBy the look of the comments I'm clearly not the only person never to have eaten cactus. Do they taste like a pickled pepper or capsicum? That's how I imagine them to taste. This is why I enjoy your blog so much Jo. You're so informative :)
ReplyDeleteA little bit I guess Pinky. It's a very light taste.
DeleteI didn't realize my blog was informative. Thank you.
I never realised cactus were edible plants, they sound interesting enough to try out..
ReplyDeleteIf you can find them do try them.- I recommend trying the pickled ones first though. I believe, in Mexico, you can buy the paddles (leaves) but I haven't a clue how you get all the spikes off.
DeleteI am going to check out the Mexican product area of our grocery store, I bet they have them. Then I shall try your recipe. Fun to cook something entirely new.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find them Nat.
DeleteI don't think I've ever tried cactus and to be honest I think I would be a bit afraid to, but sometimes it is good to try different things at least once.
ReplyDeleteI am told Mexicans eat them by the ton. So would I if I could. I mostly try everything and if I don't like something I try it again two years later. Not much I won't eat.
DeleteI've had cactus before. Many years ago. I remember thinking it wasn't bad. :)
ReplyDeleteI love it Chrys. Wish I could get hold of them easily.
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