Nopal ✦

Nopal

What it is

The paddle is not a leaf but a flattened stem — the spines are the leaves, reduced to needles — which is why it stores water like a reservoir and behaves like a vegetable rather than a green. It is the cactus of the Mexican coat of arms, the one the eagle stands on.

In the kitchen

Griddle it whole and dry over high heat until the bright green turns olive and the surface squeaks — that is the mucilage gone. Boiled instead, salt the water hard, drain the moment the colour changes and rinse cold, or you will be eating okra.

Goes with

Lime Cilantro / Coriander Onion Tomato Chili pepper Epazote Egg

Same species

Prickly pear

Also used with

Ayocote bean

In season alongside

Green almond Purslane Rhubarb Sorrel Agretti Sweetfish (ayu)

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