Catch The Facts About Cactus

I remember the first time I came across cactus on a menu. I was working at a Guatemalan restaurant when I noticed a vegetable similar to a bell pepper being sauteed on a sizzling flat top with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of seasoning.

When I first saw the dish being prepared for a customer, I was in awe!

"I'm a lover of green vegetables, but are those French-style string beans?" I thought.

No, it was cactus. Sauteed cactus.

Am I the only one that thinks cactuses were made just for the desert? Am I the only one that thought the cactus was inedible? Am I the only one that didn't know you can prepare cactus as a food dish?

I can admit when I'm naive to think I've seen every green vegetable known. This one takes the cake - no pun intended.

Cactus was used in traditional medicine to treat and reduce symptoms of macular degeneration, to heal wounds, and ulcers.

In Mexico, cactus plants were used to treat diabetes.

Here are a few health benefits I came across while learning about adding cactus to your diet lifestyle.

First, cacti is NOT a vegetable - it's a fruit.

The most common cactus prepared to eat is the nopal cactus.

Alternatively known as a "pear cactus" is found in the Southwest areas of the United States and Mexico.

Cactus is a member of the Opuntia dilleni plant family.

Cactus is packed with antioxidants.

Antioxidants are essential for our immunity, skin repair, and cell development. Healthy immunity is important because the immune system helps us get through our busy days as well as protect our skin from radiation damage.

A 2013 study showed cactus can lessen oxidative stress, liver damage, and cell damage.

Additionally, the nopal cactus contains antiviral properties to combat the respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV.

Pear cactus contains neuroprotective properties.

Nopal cactus can combat nerve sensory loss.

A 2014 study discovered neuroprotective properties within the cactus that can reduce nerve loss.

The compound, betanin, found in cactus fruit can help reduce inflammation.

Cacti is high in fiber.

Foods that are high in dietary fiber can help ease bowel movements, aid with weight loss, and help manage cardiovascular health.

Cacti fruit can lower body fat, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

A 2012 study recommended cactus can help reduce blood sugar.

Cactus fruits can be ground indoors and outdoors.

Cactus grow to be various colors. Green cactus, which I find nearby neighbors growing, is slightly sour in flavor. Red [and orange] cactus is sweet in flavor.

Cactus is an ideal alternative for vegans.

According to Healthline, the best time to eat cactus will be when it's young. Older cacti are difficult to consume and tolerate flavor.

Cactus contains about 40 calories.

You can also consume [unprocessed] cactus nutrients directly in capsules, powder, or liquid extract.

The Mexico native fruit is delicious sauteed with lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and a dash of Stella Bistro Foods Noches Mexicanas. For an added crunch, I like to place my julienne-sliced cactus on a baking sheet in the broiler for a few minutes.

My favorite recipe I've created with cactus is creamy chicken and pasta.

This dish is very easy to prepare and beginner-friendly for new cacti lovers.

1. Sear your chicken on both sides.
2. Remove the chicken.
3. Saute cacti in the same pan you've cooked the chicken, for about 3-4 minutes.
4. Place seared chicken and saute cacti in a baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 45 minutes.
5. Add alfredo sauce for the remaining 15 minutes. Stir to blend. Top with mozzarella and white cheddar cheese. Bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Would you be willing to try cactus?

Which way do you prefer to add cacti nutrition to your diet lifestyle?

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