Mexico’s mighty nopal is a prickly culinary delight

Published July 26, 2023

For centuries, the nopal cactus – of the opuntia genus, also known as prickly pear – has symbolized resilience and adaptability, much like the Mexican people. In exploring the wisdom behind Mexican cuisine’s tapestry of seemingly modest ingredients, the mighty nopal is not to be missed!

Indigenous civilizations revered the cactus, recognizing its nutritional value and healing properties. It was also considered a sacred plant, appearing famously in the legend of the founding of Tenochtitlan by the Mexica (or Aztecs). The story says that an eagle devouring a snake while perched on a nopal was the sign that the Mexica were seeking to know where to build their city, and the image became the national coat of arms.

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