Kingdom Plantae Family Cactaceae Higher classification Prickly pear | Order Caryophyllales Genus Opuntia Rank Species | |
Similar Prickly pear, Cactus, Opuntia hyptiacantha, Opuntia dejecta, Opuntia insularis | ||
Opuntia matudae, or xoconostle, is a cactus native to Mexico.
Uses
The cactus fruit is consumed as a traditional medicine and food in Mexico. In contrast to the common fruit (tunas) from related Opuntia ficus-indica, it is less sweet, the color is a bland greenish, and it is more used for traditional medicine than cuisine. Its taste is more acidic (due to citric acid). It has many green seeds in the central pit which is covered in red pigment from its antioxidant betalains.
The fruits are sold in food markets in Mexico, in produce stalls.
References
Opuntia matudae Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA