Nopales

[not2late]

I'm always interested in new ingredients. I have found fresh nopales, which are cactus leaves, at a nearby international grocery store. I have read nopales recipes and how to prepare them. BUT (and this is a BIG BUT), I have no idea how they taste or should taste because I've read different things about it. For example, I've read they have a taste like green beans or asparagus or okra. I've even read on description as them having a "lemony" or "citrus" like flavor.

Has anyone eaten nopales before? If so, how do they taste to you? Are the very vegetable-like? Are they more fruit like?

Also what is their texture? Are they crisp in the same manner as green beans or asparagus? Are they similar to okra?

Also, I've read recipes using cooked nopales and raw nopales. Which do you prefer and why?

I need to get an idea of what this veg is all about, so I'll be prepared when I do try them myself.

[determined2shrink]

Re: Nopales

Nopales taste like bitter green beans and are somewhat slimey when you buy them in a jar. I used to make them in scrambled eggs but haven't in a while. I suggest making them with something or the taste can become overwhelming.

[not2late]

Re: Nopales

Thanks! What about the fresh ones.....are they as bitter as the jarred? BTW, I've seen those jarred ones in the international grocery store too.....but I haven't been very adventurous to purchase a jar (because the store only has these HUGE bottles of the stuff. lol