Candied Prickly Pear
Candied Prickly Pear is a traditional Mexican confection made by simmering the vibrant magenta fruit of the nopal cactus in a sugar syrup until it becomes glossy and sweet. The primary ingredients are prickly pear (tuna), sugar, and water, often with a hint of lime juice to balance the sweetness. It's a popular treat, especially during the Day of the Dead celebrations.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is very high in carbohydrates, primarily from added sugar and the fruit's natural sugars, with negligible fat and protein. It provides a good amount of vitamin C and magnesium from the fruit itself, and a single serving can contain roughly 200-250 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Carbs | 55 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 52 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg |
| Calcium | 20 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.05 mg |
Per 1/2 cup (about 120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The prickly pear fruit is a natural source of betalains, the same potent antioxidants that give beets their color, which contribute to its striking hue and potential health benefits. Culturally, it's a vibrant example of how a native desert plant has been transformed into a celebratory sweet.
