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From: jeff@rtech.UUCP (Jeff Lichtman)
Newsgroups: net.cooks
Subject: Re: Cacti as food (huh?)
Message-ID: <824@rtech.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 9-Jan-86 01:04:42 EST
Article-I.D.: rtech.824
Posted: Thu Jan  9 01:04:42 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 11-Jan-86 08:07:06 EST
References: <263@astroatc.UUCP>
Organization: Relational Technology, Alameda CA
Lines: 27

> There I was, the requisite eighties guy, shopping for gourmet
> delights in the local bargain barn, when my eyes lit on an unusual
> display in the store: Cactus leaves (is that what they're called?
> appendages? parts?) and prickly pears.
> 
> HOW DO I EAT A CACTUS? WHAT DO YOU PUT THE DARNED THINGS IN?
> 
> Gregory Taylor

The cactus leaves are called "nopales".  They're good in Mexican food.
"The New American Vegetable Cookbook" by Brennan, Cronin, & Glenn says to
prepare them by washing, cutting off the thorns, peeling (first the edges,
then the rest), slicing into 1" X 1/4" strips, and steaming for 3 minutes.
I've only had canned ones, not fresh.  They have a mild flavor, so you
don't have to worry about offending your tastebuds.  Wear gloves or use
tongs until you remove the thorns.  Try adding some to your tacos.

Prickly pears are good eaten plain.  Just cut them open and scoop out the
flesh.  The fruit is pink inside and tastes a little like watermelon.  I've
seen candy made from prickly pear pulp, but don't know how to make it.
The pears have thorns just like the leaves, so be careful.
-- 
Jeff Lichtman at rtech (Relational Technology, Inc.)
"Saints should always be judged guilty until they are proved innocent..."

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