Like most cactus species, prickly pears originate from the Americas, where they are native to the southwestern United States and Mexico . Human activity has spread them to many other regions of the world. In Mexico, cacti are particularly abundant in the central and western parts of the country and on the West Indian Caribbean islands. In the south and central United States, they grow in many areas of the dry and drought-prone western United States, including the lower elevations of the Rocky Mountains and the southern Great Plains, as well as in the southwestern desert region, where several species are native.
Prickly pears are also found in the sandy coastal areas of the east coast of Florida, as far south as Connecticut, and as far as the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Prickly pears are also found in the sandy prairies of the Midwest around major rivers such as the Mississippi, Illinois, and Ohio Rivers. The natural range of prickly pears is in the hilly regions of southern Illinois and in the sandy and rocky regions of northern Illinois.
Nopal - edible cactus from Mexico
Discover the diversity of Mexican flora: Nopal and Agave In Mexico you will find an incredible variety of plants that are deeply rooted in the country's culture. The Nopal cactus, a symbol of versatility, is an example of this. We would also like to introduce you to Let us introduce you to Mezcal , a drink made from the agave, another remarkable plant in Mexico. While nopal has its place in the kitchen, agave is the star in the world of spirits.
The nopal cactus belongs to the subgroup of Opuntia and is also known as prickly pear or paddle cactus. It can be recognized by its broad, flat, branched, cushion-shaped shoots, which are covered with spines and bear magnificent yellow or red flowers in summer. This produces the edible prickly pears, whose fruit colors vary in red, green and yellow-orange tones. The juicy fruits are ripe in September and can be eaten raw or cooked and used for jams and jellies. The young shoots can also be eaten raw or cooked and have a fresh lemon flavor.
Where does the prickly pear come from?
The history of the Nopal cactus
The nopal cactus originally comes from America, where it was cultivated as a crop by the Aztecs in what is now Mexico long before the Spanish conquest. For the natives, the prickly pear was a staple food for many centuries, with many species of fig growing wild in the deserts of the American southwest. Because the shrub and the fruits of the cactus, the prickly pear, were covered in spines and thorns, they bred varieties with fewer spines several centuries ago.
The nopal cactus is the most commonly cultivated Opuntia species. In the pre-Columbian period, when Columbus discovered it, the cactus spread throughout America. The natives at that time used both the young shoots and the prickly pears for food. They also used the prickly pear as a traditional medicinal plant and as a dye that they used in their rituals. One of the first explorers of the American Southwest, Cabeza de Vaca, reported in the period around 1500 that the indigenous peoples celebrated the harvest of the prickly pear with festivals similar to the current carnival.
In the post-Columbian period, the prickly pear cactus spread throughout the world, mainly because sailors valued the nopal cactus' effect as a preventive measure against scurvy. The nopales quickly became naturalized throughout the Mediterranean region, as many shipping routes began or ended in the port cities. Because the prickly pear has healthy components, it has also gained importance in recent years as a contemporary and successful dietary supplement.
The nopal cactus is the most commonly cultivated Opuntia species. In the pre-Columbian period, when Columbus discovered it, the cactus spread throughout America. The natives at that time used both the young shoots and the prickly pears for food. They also used the prickly pear as a traditional medicinal plant and as a dye that they used in their rituals. One of the first explorers of the American Southwest, Cabeza de Vaca, reported in the period around 1500 that the indigenous peoples celebrated the harvest of the prickly pear with festivals similar to the current carnival.
In the post-Columbian period, the prickly pear cactus spread throughout the world, mainly because sailors valued the nopal cactus' effect as a preventive measure against scurvy. The nopales quickly became naturalized throughout the Mediterranean region, as many shipping routes began or ended in the port cities. Because the prickly pear has healthy components, it has also gained importance in recent years as a contemporary and successful dietary supplement.
Effects and health benefits of the prickly pear cactus
Antioxidant content
Antioxidants protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. The Nopal cactus is rich in antioxidants and reduces the burden of free radicals.
Antiviral remedy
The best way to prevent a viral infection is to prevent it. The prickly pear cactus has antiviral properties. In addition, research has shown that it has antiviral effects on HIV, the respiratory syncytial virus and the herpes simplex virus.
Protection for nerve cells
Like all other cells, nerve cells can be damaged, causing loss of sensation or pain. The prickly pear has a number of neuroprotective properties. This means that it can help prevent nerve cells from being damaged or losing their function.
Treatment of enlarged prostate
The nopal cactus can be used to treat an enlarged prostate and is even said to be effective in treating prostate cancer. The side effects are said to be fewer than with conventional prescription drugs.
Lower cholesterol levels
Studies have shown that the nopal cactus can lower cholesterol levels. While the edible cactus lowered total cholesterol levels, LDL cholesterol dropped significantly. In addition, the nopal cactus may have fewer side effects.
Eliminate hangover symptoms
The nopal cactus can be used to combat the symptoms of a hangover. The cactus extract is most effective when taken before drinking alcohol . A study from 2004 found that the nopal cactus effect significantly reduces the pressure of a hangover when taken before drinking.
Immerse yourself in the diversity of Mexico
Mezcal , just like the nopal cactus, represents the rich culture and history of Mexico. Discover an authentic piece of Mexico and its diverse flavors with our mezcal.
Regulation of blood sugar levels
For diabetics, regulating blood sugar levels plays a major role. The nopal cactus could offer a complementary solution. Studies indicate that the nopal cactus' effect can regulate blood sugar levels in addition to diabetes medication.
Cultivation of the Nopal Cactus
Since the edible cactus thrives mainly in subtropical and tropical desert areas, it is widespread in Mexico and the American Southwest. It also grows in South Africa and Australia. After the Spanish conquerors brought the nopal cactus to Europe in the 16th century, it is also cultivated in Italy and other parts of the Mediterranean. The world's largest producer of the edible cactus is Mexico. There it is mainly cultivated in the central Mexican states of Estado de México, Guanajuato and Queretaro. This is followed by Italy, where the largest cultivation area is in Sicily.
If you want to grow a nopal cactus at home, you can either sow it in the spring or use cuttings. Because it can sometimes be difficult to buy the seeds of the prickly pear cactus, they can also be obtained from a ripe prickly pear. It is much quicker to grow them using cuttings that are carefully cut from the cactus. The cut surfaces must dry until they have healed. Only then can the cuttings be planted. The prickly pear cactus needs sandy, well-drained and nutrient-rich soil and an airy, sunny spot. Because it cannot tolerate frost, it should be planted in a large flowerpot that is frost-proof in winter.
If you want to grow a nopal cactus at home, you can either sow it in the spring or use cuttings. Because it can sometimes be difficult to buy the seeds of the prickly pear cactus, they can also be obtained from a ripe prickly pear. It is much quicker to grow them using cuttings that are carefully cut from the cactus. The cut surfaces must dry until they have healed. Only then can the cuttings be planted. The prickly pear cactus needs sandy, well-drained and nutrient-rich soil and an airy, sunny spot. Because it cannot tolerate frost, it should be planted in a large flowerpot that is frost-proof in winter.
Use and eating of the prickly pear
There are various ways to use the nopal cactus. It is usually used boiled and grilled in soups, chili dishes and salads or in jams, juices, jellies and sweets. In Mexico, the raw prickly pear cactus is a speciality that gets its delicate taste from sophisticated spices. To prepare it, the nopales are freed of their spines using a sharp knife and then cleaned with a brush. They are then cut into thin slices.
The prickly pears are prepared as follows: First, both ends of the fruit are cut off. Then the skin is removed by making a cut along the entire fig. Then the skin is peeled off with the fingers. The pulp is covered with countless seeds that can be eaten. The flesh can be eaten raw or pressed through a sieve to make juice or jam.
Thanks to the cactus's wide range of health benefits, there are also a number of medicinal uses. To get the best benefits, you should eat the pure prickly pear. In addition, you can also take it as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules, powder, extracts, or in liquid form. To rule out any possible side effects, it is safest to eat a raw prickly pear instead of taking a dietary supplement.
As a food, the side effects of the edible cactus are significantly less than those of a dietary supplement. Although dietary supplements made from prickly pear are considered healthy and safe, more evidence is needed to support this. If you want to buy a product containing the active ingredients of the nopales cactus, you should choose it carefully.
The prickly pears are prepared as follows: First, both ends of the fruit are cut off. Then the skin is removed by making a cut along the entire fig. Then the skin is peeled off with the fingers. The pulp is covered with countless seeds that can be eaten. The flesh can be eaten raw or pressed through a sieve to make juice or jam.
Thanks to the cactus's wide range of health benefits, there are also a number of medicinal uses. To get the best benefits, you should eat the pure prickly pear. In addition, you can also take it as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules, powder, extracts, or in liquid form. To rule out any possible side effects, it is safest to eat a raw prickly pear instead of taking a dietary supplement.
As a food, the side effects of the edible cactus are significantly less than those of a dietary supplement. Although dietary supplements made from prickly pear are considered healthy and safe, more evidence is needed to support this. If you want to buy a product containing the active ingredients of the nopales cactus, you should choose it carefully.
Tradition meets your enjoyment: Mezcal with Jicara In our bundle offer, we combine our first-class Mezcal with a Jicara, the traditional drinking bowl. Enjoy Mezcal the authentic way and experience a piece of Mexican drinking culture.