Is Edible cactus?))
Probably everyone felt great pleasure in being among the plants in the garden, forest, park or nature reserve, enjoying the beauty, form and aromas of diverse plants and flowers, not even knowing that many of them can be eaten. There are countries in which many of the plants, as well as a variety of flowers that seems to be not suitable for food, eaten for centuries. In Mexico, for example, is used for cooking various dishes of cacti. Yes, these are huge and prickly plants. Of course, not all kinds of cactuses are suitable for food, but the prickly pear is just perfect for this.Although this ugly cactus is found in many countries of North and South America as well as in other parts of the world arid, rather than just referring to it only to determine whether it is valuable. Prickly pears are distinguished by the presence in addition to the rough areolas also glochidia that when touched to pierce the skin and stay on your toes. American Indians successfully get rid of them using molten wax, which solidify, is separated from the skin along with the insidious glochidia. Young segments and fruits of many species of Opuntia with local names "nopal" and "Tuna" sweet taste - a favorite delicacy of Hispanics. Some prickly pear, which in Mexico more than 200 species, reaching a height of 2-5 meters. Large rotate tubular flowers on short peduncle develop one for areolas, located both on the top and around the edges of the segments.The small town of Milpa Alta, near Mexico City - the perfect place for cultivation of cacti. Local farmers are now even exports them to other countries. In Milpa Alta, an annual fair, during which you can try all kinds of dishes from the prickly pear. In Mexico the cactus shoots, already peeled and ready to eat, you can buy almost anywhere, both in small markets or in supermarkets today. Shoots cactus, intended for cooking should be fresh and soft. Mexicans prepare them in different ways and served with many meat dishes. So, nopal from time immemorial belonged to the Mexican kitchen. Even the ancient Aztecs and Mayans prized for its unique combination of taste and medicinal qualities. The leaves of this cactus, not only have good taste, but also rich in calcium and potassium. The use of this food in a cactus, stimulates production of insulin in the body. Mexicans are very fond of pickled leaves are prickly - "Nopalitos". "Nopalitos" resembles the taste of pickles and peppers, and so it is often used for the preparation of vegetable salads, cold appetizers, as well as as a garnish for meat and fish dishes. The product is ready for consumption. But one of the most popular dishes are fried steak with cactus. A breakfast Mexicans traditionally cooked eggs, which add chopped pieces of cactus.In addition, young stems of cactus can make a delicious salad: boiled cactus cut into cubes, add finely chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and mix it all, add the olive oil, vinegar and salt. First, the cactus can seem tasteless and unappetizing because of its viscous consistency, but if you add to it some sharp Mexican sauce, it becomes quite pleasant to the taste ... Opuntia, like the other useful plants, is widely used in medicine. For example, experts from the Institute of Nutrition of the state of Mexico, studying this useful plant, note that, among other things, it helps to reduce total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein. Some medical researchers say that the cactus helps with diabetes. Scientists continue to conduct research and, perhaps, the world will soon learn about other useful properties of the plant))