While many see versatile maiz as the foremost plant in Mexican cookery, cactus occupies a more symbolic role for many Mexicans. You can literally see this by examining the Mexican flag, which depicts ...

Eat cactus? For people living in Mexico and the Southwest, the answer is a resounding yes. Nopal, also known as the prickly pear cactus, grows plentifully there and its health benefits and versatility ...

Cactuses aren’t just part of the scenery in South Texas. For centuries, the fruit and paddles from the prickly pear cactus have fueled the people who live here, and they’re still easy to find on the ...

In a blender, combine the prickly pear flesh, grated ginger, lemon juice and water. Blend until smooth. Strain the juice by ...

This week we cook up four nopal (cactus) recipes that go beyond the traditional Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes we love in South Texas. Paul Stephen is a food writer for the Express-News. He can be reached ...

Amelia Saltsman spends a lot more time at farmers markets than you do. Unless you’re a farmer, at any rate, in which case you probably know Saltsman and have maybe talked to her for her first book, ...

Phoenix in the summer: Hot and humid with evening storms and a chance of a haboob (major dust storms for those who haven’t heard). One thing is certain of Phoenix summers; it takes a little motivation ...

Prickly desert cactus sounds like the last thing you’d want to eat. But -- surprise! -- once the spines are off, cactus is juicy and tender, great in anything from salads and soups to main courses and ...

Instructions: Trim the prickly part of the cactus by scraping them off with a knife. Cut the paddles into 2-inch cubes and place in a large saucepan. Add the turmeric, 1 teaspoon of salt and roughly 4 ...

The new Artists' and Writers' Cookbook compiles recipes and personal food-related stories from 76 contemporary artists and writers, from Swoon's Mississippi ratatouille to Ed Ruscha's cactus omelette ...