FAQ

Did you say... cactus?

Yes! The opuntia, or prickly pear, cactus is a typical sight in Mexican and U.S. Southwest landscapes. Consequently, the tender cactus pads, called nopales (no-PAH-less), are part of everyday Mexican cooking. Sliced for convenience, nopales lend themselves to a variety of dishes, like salads, tacos, omelets, and casseroles. They're tasty, versatile, and nutritious.

What do nopales taste like?

Raw nopales have a light, bright, and subtle citrus flavor, similar to a slightly tart green bean, asparagus, or green pepper. Eric's Nopales are sourced fresh, de-thorned with care, and pickled with all-natural ingredients in bold brines. Our nopales have a moist, tender, and al dente texture, similar to okra but without the slime.

If you relish the pucker of a classic pickle, we bet you'll love Eric's Nopales too!

Are they healthy?

You bet! Nopales are a low-calorie, high fiber vegetable known to be used in treating obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, skin ailments, and viral infections. They have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial and neuroprotective properties. Naturally gluten-free, nopales also satisfy paleo, keto, whole30, vegan, and other specialty diets.

For more information about the health benefits of nopales, please refer to these studies from the National Library of Medicine:

• Opuntia dillenii: A Forgotten Plant with Promising Pharmacological Properties (2019)
• Nopal cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) as a source of bioactive compounds for nutrition, health and disease (2014)
• Interaction of Herbs and Glibenclamide: A Review (2012)

What should I do with them?

Eat them! Eric's Nopales come ready-to-enjoy right from the jar. They're also easy to add to your favorite recipes for an extra kick. Try them...

 

Try adding brine from your favorite jar Eric's Nopales to make your own marinades, salad dressings, soups, sauces, and cocktails.

Check out our recipes and find us on Instagram at @ericsnopales for more ideas and inspiration.