Nopal: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ต
nopal
[ หnoสpษหl ]
cactus, food
Nopal is the paddled stem of the prickly pear cactus, often used in Mexican cuisine. Rich in nutrients, it has a slightly tangy flavor and is commonly prepared in salads, tacos, and various dishes.
Synonyms
cactus pad, prickly pear.
Examples of usage
- I added some nopal to my salad for extra flavor.
- Nopal tacos are a traditional dish in many Mexican households.
- You can find nopal at most Latin American grocery stores.
Translations
Translations of the word "nopal" in other languages:
๐ต๐น nopal
๐ฎ๐ณ เคจเฅเคชเคฒ
๐ฉ๐ช Nopal
๐ฎ๐ฉ nopal
๐บ๐ฆ ะฝะพะฟะฐะป
๐ต๐ฑ nopal
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใซ
๐ซ๐ท nopal
๐ช๐ธ nopal
๐น๐ท nopal
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ ธํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ููุจุงู
๐จ๐ฟ nopal
๐ธ๐ฐ nopal
๐จ๐ณ ไปไบบๆ
๐ธ๐ฎ nopal
๐ฎ๐ธ nopal
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฝะพะฟะฐะป
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ nopal
๐ฒ๐ฝ nopal
Etymology
The word 'nopal' originates from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs and still used by some indigenous peoples in Mexico today. In Nahuatl, the word โnopalliโ refers to the pads of the Opuntia cactus, which has been a staple food source for centuries. The use of nopal dates back to Mesoamerican civilizations, where it was not only consumed but also valued for its medicinal properties. As Spanish colonizers arrived in the 16th century, they adopted the word and the culinary uses of this plant spread beyond Mexico. Today, nopal is recognized globally not only for its distinctive taste but also for its health benefits, including its high fiber content and low calorie count.