"Spineless" Opuntia Cactus pads are a good source of Calcium and Vitamin C, as well as fiber.

No preparation is necessary. You can run a knife over the surface in order to dislodge the glochid spines if you like.

Nopal/Nopales/Nopalitos is the Hispanic term for "spineless" edible variety of Prickly Pear you find in grocery stores. They are usually fully prepared as sold. Tunas are the edible fruit.

Land turtles, Tortoises, and Box Turtles all enjoy dining on the pads, the fruit, the flowers. All good for them, too.

jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer