Description

The cactus pad is a vegetable, with a piquant or slightly lemon taste. When uncooked, they are somewhat jellied or mucilaginous, and exude a liquid similar to aloe vera. In fact this liquid has been used much in the same way as aloe vera in alternative medicine to help heal sores and burns. Most don't like the texture of raw cactus pads and prefer them cooked, which helps to absorb the liquid.

In Mexican cuisine, several dishes made from cactus pads are quite popular. Eggs with nopales and nopales tacos are both common. Cactus pads also are added to soups, salads or stews for extra flavor. They're undoubtedly nutritious with a scant eleven calories per half cup serving. They thus make for excellent diet food, but may be less nutritious depending on their preparation.