Nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica), also known as prickly pear, is native to Mexico and southwestern USA. The plant, a large cactus that can grow up to 20 feet tall, has fleshy green cladodes (flattened leaf-like stems) with clusters of small, fine spikes on them, as well as colorful flowers and fruits that grow from the cladodes.

The cladodes are rich in dietary fiber, especially soluble fiber. They are also a very good source of potassium, manganese, calcium, polysaccharides, flavonoids, saponins, carotenoids, tannins and phytosterols, as well as containing beta-carotene, vitamin C and fatty acids.*