Nopal

Nopal (or “prickly pear”) is a tree-like plant in the cactaceae family which can reach a height of 5 meters.  It is originally from Central America and was introduced everywhere the climate was favorable. It was exported in the 16th century by European travelers who ate this plant, rich in vitamin C. This helped them fight scurvy during long sea journeys. Nopal is an edible plant found across Central America in different forms.  Its fruit is eaten raw but also is made into an alcoholic drink.  The fruit is also dried, made into a fruit paste, its juice cooked and concentrated. Traditionally, the fruit is known to stop colic. A drink made from the flowers is also used to stop colic and as a diuretic. Its pads can be cut open and used as a poultice to help fight inflammation and be emollient in the case of painful contusions, bruising, burns or eczema.