Nopal is the cactus pad or leaf of the Cactacae family. It is a deep green, fleshy and spiny vegetable with a taste that reminds you of green beans. Cactus pads are valued for their moisture. To use, remove the spiney stickers with leather gloves and a sharp pointed knife or scissors. Make sure to remove them ALL!  Cut up the pads into strips, or dice and saute with onions, chili peppers, cheese, eggs and spices and use for fillings of tacos, and enchiladas, or steam and cover with a pickle or vinaigrette and use as a salad.

Nopals are available in Mexican, Southwest and Hispanic Markets throughout the Southwestern United States and Mexico. They are also available canned.

Here are a couple of good sites to link up to:

http://www.embasa.com/mspecial.html

http://www.nativetech.org/food/nopalitos.html

http://www.1stherbsource.com/nopal/index.html