Cactus Candy

Jun 05, 2023June 5, 20230 13

How to Make Sweet and Tangy Cactus Candy

by The Chefin Dessert

Prep

15 min

Cook

60 min

Ready In

75 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	4 cups prickly pear cactus or 4 cups nopales
	3 cups granulated sugar
	1 cup water
	2 tablespoons orange juice

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

166

Sugar

41g

Fat

Cactus candy is a sweet and tangy dessert that is often enjoyed in Mexico and other parts of the southwestern United States. It's made from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus or nopales, which is naturally sweet and refreshing. This recipe uses a simple syrup made from sugar, water, and orange juice to coat the cactus pieces and create a hard candy shell. The result is a unique and delicious treat that is perfect for sharing with friends or giving as a gift.

Instructions

1.	Begin by preparing the prickly pear cactus or nopales. Cut off the spines and rinse the cactus pads thoroughly. Remove any remaining thorns by scraping the pads with a sharp knife. Cut the pads into small pieces.
2.	In a large pot, combine the cactus pieces, sugar, water, and orange juice. Stir well to combine.
3.	Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
4.	Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cactus pieces are soft and the liquid has thickened to a syrup-like consistency.
5.	Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
6.	Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cactus pieces to a wire rack or waxed paper to dry. Let the candy cool completely before serving or storing.

PROS

Cactus candy is a unique and flavorful treat that is easy to make at home.
It’s a great way to use fresh cactus and introduce some new flavors into your baking repertoire.
This recipe is also vegan and gluten-free.

CONS

Some people may find the texture of the cactus candy to be a bit slimy or chewy, but this can be prevented by boiling the cactus for longer if desired.
The candy is also quite sweet and may be too sugary for some tastes.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Prickly pear cactus is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It may also help regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels. However, the high sugar content in this recipe should be consumed in moderation.