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Happy2Bhere
Forum Leader Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 4120 Registered: 02-2008
| Posted on Friday, April 29, 2011 - 03:06 pm: |
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Note: A cactus (plural: cacti, cactuses or cactus) is a gay member of the plant family Cactaceae. Many of you in the northern States and other countries might not be aware of the nutritional value of cactus pears, Some of the health benefits associated with prickly pear: •Immune support •Diabetes •Obesity •Helps manage cholesterol Some of the nutrients found in prickly pear cactus: Flavonoids | Pectin | Vitamin A | Vitamin B | Vitamin C These are just a few pics of the colorful blooms on cactus. This plant, Opuntia ficus-indica grows wild throughout the American southwest and I’m also a stones throw away from Mexico, where it has been a staple of their diet for thousands of years. Ol' Bob
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Happy2Bhere
Forum Leader Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 4121 Registered: 02-2008
| Posted on Friday, April 29, 2011 - 03:14 pm: |
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I probably should have posted this pic of Cactus fruit. I have eaten these before. They are very delicious. Ol' Bob
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Hostess Rise'
Board Administrator Username: Rise
Post Number: 16077 Registered: 05-2003
| Posted on Friday, April 29, 2011 - 04:36 pm: |
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I luv you Bob Love all of your posts lately on nutrition. I just learned about the Cactus pear yesterday while watching the Dr. Oz show. Keep on posting as I sure do appreciate this information and I am sure many of our members will agree.
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Karen
Member Username: Pandaparade
Post Number: 90 Registered: 09-2010
| Posted on Friday, April 29, 2011 - 06:14 pm: |
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I was just watching Throwdown with Bobby Flay on Food Network & saw 2 Mexican brothers who have a restaurant & use it. They said it has a taste similar to okra. How do you think it tastes Bob? I've seen it here in North Carolina at the Farmers' Markets & have wanted to try some. What are your favorite dishes using it? I think those brothers on TV used it in their empanadas. Can't wait to try it! Also, how do you cook it; is it best roasted in the oven or sauteed. It looks like a process taking the nettles off. Interesting! |
Happy2Bhere
Forum Leader Username: Happy2bhere
Post Number: 4123 Registered: 02-2008
| Posted on Friday, April 29, 2011 - 08:46 pm: |
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Karen, I actually just sampled it a few times years ago but it was very tasteful. I very recently learned about the nutritional value. How to Handle and Peel Prickly Pear Cactus Have a bowl of cold water, tongs, paper towels, and a vegetable peeler handy. 1.Place the prickly pear cactus in a bowl of water to clean, and this also help remove some of the spines. 2.Remove the fruit with tongs. 3.Use the towels to hold the fruit while peeling it with a vegetable peeler . Serving Suggestions •Prickly pear pulp can be pushed or mashed through a strainer to make a fresh sauce, a puree, or vinaigrette. •Use to make a drink or in smoothies by placing the peeled fruit in a food processor or blender with filtered water, process/blend and pour through a strainer to remove any seeds. •Make a prickly pear sorbet or popsicles. Ol' Bob
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