Nopales (Prickly Pear Cactus)

Nopales or nopalitos (the cactus pads of the prickly pear cactus) may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Looking for the cactus fruit or tuna? See prickly pear.

The prickly pear or nopal cactus is native to Central America but now grows in many places with hot, dry summers. A vital part of Aztec culture, nopales (which is called nopalli in Nahuatl) has been used in both cooking and medicine. The youngest, tenderest pads of the cactus are delicious in salads and salsas. Nopales are also traditionally diced and pickled (nopales en escabeche), served whole as a base for cooked filling (huarache de nopal), and cook up wonderfully whole on the grill.

The prickly pear or nopal cactus is native to Central America but now grows in many places with hot, dry summers. A vital part of Aztec culture, nopales (or nopalli in Nahuatl) have been used in both cooking and medicine. In modern Mexican cuisine, nopales are a staple, and once you get past their prickly exterior, are amazingly versatile. The youngest, tenderest pads of the cactus are delicious in salads and salsas. Nopales are also traditionally diced and pickled (nopales en escabeche), served whole as a base for cooked filling (huarache de nopal), and even cook up wonderfully whole on the grill.

★Tip: When shopping for nopales, look for those that feel firm in the hand, that are free of bruises, and still have a bright green color. If the spines of the cactus pad have not yet been removed, see if the grocer will do it for you. If not, you can remove them with a knife and thick gloves at home—just watch out not only for the bigger spikes, but also for the fine, hair-like spines on each pad.

Yes, if cooked; however when introducing nopales, start with smaller quantities as some may experience side effects like headache, nausea, and loose stools.

With the exception of its spines, all parts of the prickly pear cactus are edible if prepared in an age-appropriate way—from its green pads to its bright flowers of pink, yellow, or orange, to its clusters of jewel-like red fruits (which are also called prickly pears or tunas). Nopales are a source of pectin, a type of fiber known for its gelling effect when making jam. Fiber is important for digestion and microbiome health in growing babies. Vitamin B6, supportive of neurological development, is also present in nopales. Nopales are a rich source of plant phytochemicals including polyphenols, as well as other powerful antioxidants, offering a number of benefits such as supporting heart health and immune function.

★Tip: Nopales can become slimy once they’re cut into. This slime, or “baba” in Spanish, is thought to be part of how the cactus retains moisture in its desert habitat. There are methods of preparation that can reduce the slime, such as tossing the prepared raw nopalitos with a little salt and baking for about 20 minutes or grilling them in strips or whole.

No. Allergies to prickly pear cactus are rare. Contact dermatitis from the spines or tufts of the nopales is common if they are not fully removed before handling. Look for a spineless variety or carefully examine nopales to be sure all spines are removed before offering nopales to babies—or anyone!

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

Yes, if served raw as they are difficult to chew. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve nopales in an age-appropriate way. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals.

For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

None! Put solid food directly on baby’s tray, plate, or bowl, then let baby explore with their hands. If you like, keep a baby spoon or fork nearby to help familiarize the child with utensils, but the skills to use them are not expected until early toddlerhood.

You can if you’d like, but there's no developmental need to start with textureless food. Babies can be served modified versions of what you eat. Use our First Foods Database to find how to safely serve any food.