The meals of Mexico is all the time tasty, and generally an surprising journey. That is the case with the prickly pear cactus (aka: the Mexican tuna fruit). Whereas its title might make you consider seafood, it’s removed from being aquatic. Nestled inside the prickly embrace of cacti, you will discover this fruit with its fiery hues and spiky armor that conceals a juicy, crimson treasure inside.
Let’s uncover the origins of this unique fruit steeped in wealthy cultural heritage and historical traditions, its well being advantages, and how one can finest savor the culinary wonders this tropical gem has to supply.
The Mexican Tuna Fruit is from the Prickly Pear Cactus (Purple & Inexperienced Varieties)
What Is Mexican Tuna Fruit?
Mexican tuna fruit, also called prickly pear fruit or Opuntia fruit, is a fruit that comes from the prickly pear cactus (or nopal.) It’s native to Mexico and broadly cultivated for its edible fruit (which is known as tuna in Spanish.) The fruit is characterised by its vibrant colours, starting from inexperienced to pink to purple and yellow, and its distinctive texture, that includes quite a few small seeds embedded within the flesh.
What Sorts of Tuna Fruit are There?
The inexperienced (tunas verdes) and pink (tunas rojas) prickly pear fruits are two of the most typical varieties seen within the US. In Mexico, there are a number of different forms of tunas, every with their distinctive flavors and colours:
- Tuna Amarilla: yellow in coloration, and has a candy taste.
- Roja Pelona: smaller seeds in comparison with different tunas; has a kiwi-like taste.
- Cardona: purple pores and skin and flesh with delicate seeds.; has a bitter-sweet style.
- Cuerno de Venado: has a ‘floral’ taste, with excessive water content material and small seed dimension.
- Platanera: a banana-like tuna with a candy and juicy taste.
- Xoconostle: this one is bitter and chewy, typically utilized in savory stews, salsas, and drinks.
These are simply a few of the many other forms of tunas present in Mexico, so make sure to hold your eyes peeled for brand new ones throughout your go to.
How have you learnt when tuna fruit is ripe?
Whereas there are many completely different tuna varieties, all of them share just a few tell-tale indicators that the fruit is ripe.
- Agency to the contact when calmly squeezed.
- No bruises or indicators of decay.
- Has a strong, vibrant coloration with no inexperienced (apart from the inexperienced varieties, which flip a lighter shade when ripe.)
- Nearly all the time not include their prickles.
How Do You Eat Mexican Tuna Fruit
There are many methods you’ll be able to eat Mexican tuna fruit. The commonest methodology is by eradicating the pores and skin and spines, then slicing the fruit into wedges or cubes. It may be loved uncooked, added to salads, made into juices and jams, or used as an ingredient in desserts. As a Mexican avenue meals, distributors normally add some chili sauce to sliced tuna cactus fruit.
Do You Eat the Seeds in Tuna Fruit
The seeds in tuna fruit are edible, however they’re fairly laborious. Some individuals select to eat them together with the fruit, whereas others choose to take away them on account of their powerful texture.
Prickly pear fruit varieties like roja pelona and cuerno de venado have a few of the smallest seeds in comparison with different varieties. There’s additionally cardona, which has delicate seeds so it’s simpler to chunk onto them if you wish to.
What Are the Well being Advantages of Mexican Tuna Fruit
Mexican tuna fruit gives quite a few well being advantages. It’s a good supply of fiber, antioxidants, and nutritional vitamins resembling vitamin C, in addition to serving to enhance digestion, help cardiovascular well being, and regulate blood sugar ranges. Moreover, it accommodates minerals like calcium and potassium. It’s no surprise some individuals contemplate it a superfood!
What Does Mexican Tuna Fruit Style Like
The style of Mexican tuna fruit can range barely relying on what selection you’re munching on, however individuals normally describe it as being candy and a bit tangy. You’ll be able to most likely liken the flavour to a mixture of watermelon and strawberries, with some tuna varieties even having a touch of citrus notes.
Is tuna fruit candy?
Sure, tuna cactus fruit is nice, particularly when absolutely ripe. Its pure sweetness, mixed with its refreshing and barely tart undertones, makes it a well-liked alternative for these in search of a candy and flavorful fruit choice.
From its misleading title that tantalizes the style buds with visions of the ocean, the Mexican tuna fruit gracefully defies expectations, proudly showcasing its fiery hues and prickly armor whereas harboring a luscious prize inside.
This submit might include affiliate hyperlinks. When you make a purchase order via my hyperlinks, I earn a fee that helps to maintain this weblog operating—at no additional value to you. For extra info learn my full disclosure.
Extra Bucket Listing Meals to Attempt
Ugali (Nshima): All About Africa’s Staple Meals
Bizarre Meals Bucket Listing: 60 Unusual Meals From Across the World