About this post
If you love nopales (cactus paddles) for their fresh, slightly tangy flavor and all the health benefits they bring, then you know how important it is to store them correctly. I do have to confess I ALWAYS buy them clean. I don’t think it’s worth it to clean them myself; it takes ages. But I believe it is essential to learn how to store them correctly. Keeping them fresh means you can enjoy them in tacos, salads, or scrambled eggs without dealing with slimy, wilted paddles.
Why You’ll Love This Guide
- Maximize Freshness: Keep your nopales crisp and vibrant for days.
- Easy and Practical: No fancy storage tricks—just simple, effective methods.
- Reduce Waste: Say goodbye to dried-out or overly slimy nopales.
The Best Way to Store Nopales
Clean First (But Don’t Wash!)
- If you don’t buy them clean and thorn-free, start by removing the thorns using a knife or vegetable peeler.
- Trim the edges and any tough parts.
- DO NOT wash them yet. Excess moisture can make them spoil faster.
Store Whole
- Line an airtight container with paper towels.
- Place the clean, thorn-free nopales inside.
- Cover with another layer of paper towels before sealing the container.
- Store in the vegetable crisper drawer of your fridge.
Storing Cut or Sliced Nopales
If you’ve already chopped them, store them the same way—in a container with paper towels—but use them within 3-4 days for the best texture.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
- Blanch sliced nopales in boiling water for 1-2 minutes.
- Drain and let them cool completely.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 6 months.
Home Cook to Home Cook Tips
- If your nopales get a little slimy, rinse them with cold water and pat them dry before using.
- Keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas to prevent premature spoilage.
- For easy meal prep, freeze nopales in portions to grab what you need.
How to Store Cactus Paddles (Nopales) So They Stay Fresh
Equipment
- Paper towles
- Fridge safe container
Ingredients
- 4 cactus paddels (or more)
Instructions
- Line an airtight container with paper towels.Place the clean, thorn-free nopales inside.Cover with another layer of paper towels before sealing the container.Store in the vegetable crisper drawer of your fridge.
Notes
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Mi enfoque está en recetas que reúnen a las personas alrededor de la mesa, haciendo de cada comida un momento sencillo, delicioso y significativo. También soy autora de Yo Cocino Latino, y mis recetas han sido destacadas en varias revistas y publicaciones en línea.
¡Sígueme en mis redes sociales para inspiración diaria, tips y recetas deliciosas! Y si alguna vez pruebas una de mis recetas — o tienes una receta familiar favorita — ¡me encantaría saberlo! Mándame un DM en Instagram y hablemos de comida. 🍽️✨
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