To let you all know, prickly pear (cactus) is now available as a juice
at
many health food chains. It regulates blood sugar and reduces
cholesterol. I
drink it every day and enjoy the taste which is very much
like soda pop !
Cactus Shoot Salad - {Ensalada De Napalitos}
4 fresh cactus pads or 1 pint jar cactus shoots
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 cup chopped tomato
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1 fresh green jalapeno, stems and ribs
removed and chopped
1 garlic clove, mashed
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Begin by blanching cactus pads in salted boiling water until tender,
for
about 5 minutes; then shock in ice water.
Julienne cactus pads into strips lengthwise. In a small salad bowl,
mix in
the green onion, tomato, cilantro, jalapeño, and cactus pads.
In separate bowl mix garlic, oil and lime juice. Add all the other
ingredients and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Makes 4 servings.
Can you point me to a post on how to harvest and consume prickly pear?