Have You Ever Eaten Cactus?

Try Nopales!

by Reporter Zhanna Hernandez Arizona Virtual Academy

Did you know you can eat cactus? Not any cactus, but a cactus you might see in the desert called nopales! This cactus has been eaten by indigenous people for centuries and is a modern food promoted for treating diabetes and high cholesterol.

So, how do you eat nopales? First, find a nopales cactus that is healthy and has no white mold. Cut a pale green cactus “ear” three levels up from the “trunk” of the cactus. Don’t touch the small needles, instead use tongs to carry. Next, have an adult take a sharp knife and move across the skin of the “ear” to remove all needles off the sides. Then cut the entire perimeter off. Finally, dice the nopales into cubes. Blanch, or drop into boiling water for a short time, to quickly cook the nopales.You must rinse them after removing the cactus slime!

Cooked nopales can be used sauteed with eggs or in red chile sauce. You can also grill nopales or freeze them and use them in healthy smoothies. If you want to learn more ways to cook nopales or other native foods, you should visit the museum on my native lands. The museum is called the Yoemem Tekia Museum and it is on the Pascua Yaqui Reservation at 4721 W. Calle Vicam in Tucson. At the museum you can learn all about my people and our traditions. The museum is open Tuesdays–Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. I hope you like it as much as I do! To learn more, visit yoememtekiafoundation.org

Keep Cool with Water Park Fun!

by Reporter Jesus Lara

Summer is coming up, which means it will be getting really hot! Lots of places are open, like water parks! Here are a few places to go to during your summer.

The first option is Hurricane Harbor located in Glendale! Hurricane Harbor is a great water park that has a large variety of rides. Around the park you can also find a lazy river, spots for food and several water fountains so you don’t get dehydrated. It is a safe and cool place for summer fun!