The meals of Mexico is at all times tasty, and typically an sudden 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, one can find 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 historic traditions, its well being advantages, and how you can greatest savor the culinary wonders this tropical gem has to supply.
The Mexican Tuna Fruit is from the Prickly Pear Cactus (Crimson & 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 purple to purple and yellow, and its distinctive texture, that includes quite a few small seeds embedded within the flesh.
What Kinds of Tuna Fruit are There?
The inexperienced (tunas verdes) and purple (tunas rojas) prickly pear fruits are two of the commonest varieties seen within the US. In Mexico, there are a number of different sorts 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 comfortable 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, usually utilized in savory stews, salsas, and drinks.
These are simply among the many different kinds of tunas present in Mexico, so you’ll want to preserve your eyes peeled for brand new ones throughout your go to.
How are you aware when tuna fruit is ripe?
Whereas there are many completely different tuna varieties, all of them share a couple of 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.)
- Virtually at all times not include their prickles.
How Do You Eat Mexican Tuna Fruit
There are many methods you possibly can 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 road 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 onerous. Some individuals select to eat them together with the fruit, whereas others choose to take away them attributable to their powerful texture.
Prickly pear fruit varieties like roja pelona and cuerno de venado have among the smallest seeds in comparison with different varieties. There’s additionally cardona, which has comfortable 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 presents 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, assist cardiovascular well being, and regulate blood sugar ranges. Moreover, it accommodates minerals like calcium and potassium. It’s no surprise some individuals think about it a superfood!
What Does Mexican Tuna Fruit Style Like
The style of Mexican tuna fruit can fluctuate 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 in all probability liken the flavour to a mix of watermelon and strawberries, with some tuna varieties even having a touch of citrus notes.
Is tuna fruit candy?
Sure, tuna cactus fruit is good, particularly when totally ripe. Its pure sweetness, mixed with its refreshing and barely tart undertones, makes it a preferred 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.
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