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News Bulletin - March/April 2008

Source: http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/nopalitos.htm; http://www.wikihow.com/How-to-Eat-Prickly-Pear-Cactus; http://www.sfc.ucdavis.edu/pubs/brochures/pricklypear.html; http://www.nutritiondata.com; http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleep/HQ01387

Nopales (Cactus)
•  Nopales (cactus pads) are a vegetable native to Mexico.
•  Nopales range in color from pale to dark green and have a slightly tart green-bean flavor.
•  Small, young pads harvested in early spring are the most tender and juicy and have the fewest spines. Larger, older pads tend to be thicker and stringer.
•  Nopales are generally cut into small pieces or strips, simmered in water until tender and used in scrambled eggs, tacos, salads, salsas and many other dishes.

Nutrition Facts
1 cup cooked nopales provides:
22 Calories
3 g Fiber
13% of the Daily Value* for Vitamins C and A (maintains a healthy immune system)
18% of the Daily Value* for Magnesium (promotes healthy blood pressure) 2 g Protein
0 g Fat
0 g Cholesterol
*percent of Daily Value is based on a 2000 Calorie diet.

Suggestions
•  Choose small firm, pale green nopales with no signs of wrinkling.
•  Store fresh nopales and fruit in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic, for 1-2 weeks.
•  You must carefully remove any hair like spines from the nopales before cooking. Use gloves!
•  Nopales can be diced or cut into strips then boiled.
•  Nopales (diced or in strips) are also available in jars or cans, either pickled or packed in water.

TIPS FOR A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP
•  Sleep is as important as food and air!
•  Stay away from stimulants like caffeine (found in some coffees, soda and teas).
•  Try to keep the same sleep schedule.
•  Avoid a heavy meal before bed.

Check with your healthcare provider if you have trouble sleeping.





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