What are some creative ways of eating a cactus pear?

Believe it or not, the cactus pear can be a delightful and versatile ingredient in your kitchen. This flavorful addition to your meal not only adds a unique texture but also a rich nutritional value. This article explores two methods of preparing cactus pears - nopales (the leafy pads) and prickly pears (the fruit). Learn how to enjoy them in dishes that range from a traditional Mexican salad to a refreshing dessert.

Method 1: Nopales (Cactus Pear Pads or Nopales)

Step 1: Prepare the Nopales
First, it's crucial to remove the spines and glochids from the cactus pear pads. Spines can be removed by using a vegetable peeler or paring knife, but these can leave glochids, tiny and highly irritating spines, behind. To remove glochids, you can use a small flame or a torch, or leave on gloves and rinse thoroughly until all remnants are removed.

Step 2: Clean the Nopales
Run the cut nopales under cool water and peel or cut off any discolored parts. It's essential to peel the knife blade after each cut to ensure no spines adhere to it. Decide whether to slice the pads or leave them whole depending on how you plan to use them.

Step 3: Cook the Nopales
Cactus pear pads can be cooked in several ways including boiling or grilling, or even stir-frying. For best results, consider boiling them, especially if the pad is thicker. Traditional Mexican dishes incorporate cactus pads that have been boiled with a copper coin (though modern kitchen practices may not require this step), washed, and then added to a salad with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalape?os, seasoned with vinegar, salt, and lime juice.

Alternatively, when grilling, generously coat the nopales with pepper, salt, and other spices, and serve when tender and slightly browned. You could then add grilled portobello mushrooms for a richer flavor. Experiment by stir-frying the cooked nopales into a soup, mixing them into a salad, or even making them into an omelet. Pickling the nopales is also a delightful and traditional option.

Method 2: Prickly Pears

Step 1: Harvest or Purchase Prickly Pears
Prickly pears are the cactus fruit. Varieties with reddish-orange or purple skin and deep purple interiors are usually considered the sweetest, but the white-skinned varieties are more popular in Mexico. Store-bought pears are likely spine-free, but foraged pears still have small fine blond hairs (glochids) which can be irritating. It's recommended to handle harvested pears with tongs or plastic bags.

Step 2: Remove the Spines
Place the pears in a plastic colander and run them under cold water, swirling them gently to remove the fine hairs. Slice off the ends of the pears, and carefully cut along the center to peel the skin off. This might take some practice to get the right thickness, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Use the Prickly Pears
Once the skin is removed, you can eat the flesh of the prickly pear raw, use it to make jam, jelly, sorbet, or even wine. The seeds, while edible, should be removed before consuming to avoid the hard texture or to be used as a flour substitute.

Creative ways to enjoy cactus pears range from the versatile and nutritious nopales to the sweet and unique taste of prickly pears. These unique ingredients bring a touch of the desert to your daily fare, making every meal something special. Experiment with these methods to find your favorite way to enjoy this healthy and flavorful ingredient.

Conclusion

From the spicy and savory nopales to the sweet and tangy prickly pears, cacti offer a wide array of culinary possibilities. Whether you're looking to spice up your salad, make a refreshing dessert, or explore traditional Mexican dishes, cactus pears provide a unique and healthy ingredient to add to your kitchen repertoire.