Cactus Pineapple Smoothie

I really want to start eating healthier by adding more natural plant based foods to my diet. It's really hard, but I have been adding more healthy options to my grocery list. I'm not Vegan or even Vegetarian but I believe they both are healthy habits. I just don't want to commit to any strict diets, but instead, just make some better choices in what I put in and on my body. 

Eating healthy has also led me to try new foods otherwise I would turn my nose up too. One of the newest foods I tried lately is (Nopal) Cactus. I read that there are a lot of health benefits hidden inside this prickly vegetable. I am excited to share with you this "Licuado de Nopal" aka Cactus Pineapple Smoothie. It tasted like nothing else I've ever had. Cactus itself taste like a cross between celery and asparagus, if you can imagine. Mixed in a smoothie it's not so bad after all.


Before handling any cactus, make sure to wear gloves. I learned this the hard way while picking through them at the grocery store. I was picking fine thorns from my hands all the way home while my husband thought it was funny. He suggested I use tongs that were available next time. 


Before eating, cut around the outside to remove the edges then take a knife or cactus scraper and scrape off  all the thorns, then wash thoroughly. I took my gloves off at this point and sacrificed my hands to make sure there were not more prickly things on the paddles. Luckily there were none and it was ready to cut into cubes.   


Cactus Pineapple Smoothie

1 cup- cleaned and cubed Cactus
1 cup- cubed Pineapple (I used frozen)
1 cup- of Orange Juice or Water
1 teaspoon- of Turmeric. (tasteless but optional)

add all to a blender and blend until smooth
Enjoy.



Cactus water (or smoothie) is known to help with weight loss, regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion. It is also an anti-inflammatory. 

Other health benefits of cactus include:

  • Great for joint inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Natural detox. Good for the gut. 
  • Great for skin.
  • Strengthens immune system.
  • Lowers cholesterol.
  • Help prevent against cancer.
  • Helps control type II diabetes.
  • Relieves menstrual cramps in women.
  • It can also help with inflammation of the urethra and bladder to control bladder infections. 
  • And if you get drunk....It's known to help hangovers.
I found most of this info here. (Source)
The original recipe and more interesting facts can be found here (Source).

How did I like it?
It was pretty good. It was not like drinking a sweet berry smoothie topped with granola and chocolate, but it was good. It had a sweet tart bite too it but yet still refreshing. 

What I think about it?
We ended up making another trip to the Mexican grocery store for more. I have felt good after drinking one of these smoothies and actually had a good night sleep. I think this drink is a good thing and plan to drink one a couple times a week. I hope it helps with the inflammation in my ears associated with my symptoms of Meniere's.  

I have never been afraid to try new things. If it's edible, I’ll eat it. It’s good to experiment with different foods. There is a lot of good foods out there yet to be discovered. You’ll never know unless you try it. 



10 comments

  1. I have never eaten cactus. I have a friend who 'burns cactus' with a torch to rid them of needles and is good for cattle. I didn't know folks ate them.
    Headed for Pennsylvania in a few minutes...
    Love from Virginia
    Sherry & jack

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  2. I’ve heard so many good things about cactus. I will have to try this. Cute towel too.

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  3. Because of the heat...I've had a lot of smoothies lately...but I think cacti is pushing it. Just me.

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  4. Wow what an interesting drink and I didn't know that you could eat cactus!

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  5. I didn't know you could eat cactus or that it has health benefits. Interesting post Lisa!

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  6. I have never eaten cactus. I am not sure I would make it. If you made it for me I probably would. I do make yogurt and blueberry shakes. Hope your fingers are okay.

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  7. Hey I'm liking what I'm reading here! I'm gonna have to try this new smoothie of yours Its looks amazing! So you found your cactus at a mexican store? We have those in our town so I'll keep my eyes on the lookout!
    Thanks for the recipe and glad you were able to have a good nights sleep!

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  8. Looks like I would vomit if I tried to drink this. I don't do well with greens.

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  9. You're a braver woman than me, Lisa! There's no way I'm eating a cactus!! :) I'll take my greens in other ways, thank you very much!

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  10. Interesting! I've seen these in the store but have never purchased any because I just didn't know what to do with them. This looks really good! Hugs!

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