Mexico - The source of life

Since arriving in Mexico, I've been slowly changing my diet. The stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, which haven't had to be refrigerated or travel thousands of kilometers before reaching my table, are too tempting.

This cornucopia may explain why Mexico has one of the lowest cancer mortality rates in the world. The cancer rate is half that of Canada, and the survival rate is 60% higher. So, it's up to me to take advantage of it.

credit: Grok

While browsing the markets, I noticed that one fruit is everywhere. It's because I'm in the best season for this fruit.

• It's delicious.

• Has one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C of any fruit.

• It produces, along with the seeds, the most expensive oil in the world.

  • Rich in Omega 6, the powers of this oil exceed those of argan oil. Moisturizing, nourishing, and softening, this oil contains, among other things, 65% polyunsaturated fatty acids (compared to 33% for argan), as well as a vitamin E (antioxidant) content of over 100 mg/100 g, compared to 65 mg for argan.

• It produces an alcoholic liqueur called Fico d'India or "Ficodi."

• It produces vinegar with a natural sugar content of 30% to 50%.

• Produces natural yellow and reddish-purple food colorings.

• Has several medicinal properties. It is particularly effective for:

* Diabetes (blocks the flow of glucose into the blood);

* Cholesterol (reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and favors good cholesterol (HDL);

* Arteriosclerosis;

* Weight loss diets;

* Stomach and intestinal pain;

* Gastrointestinal disorders;

* Diarrhea.

This probably explains why pharmaceutical companies are trying to cash in on the bounty by creating capsules, extracts, or powders.

This fruit is the cactus pear, also called prickly pear and tuna (in Mexico).

credit: WEB

I've already told you about the fruit, but its leaves are no exception.

• They can be eaten raw, boiled, roasted, or grilled.

• They are rich in vitamin C, copper, magnesium, iron, and more.

• They have a notable effect in reducing glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

• They are used to make vegan leathers. https://desserto.com.mx/

Anything you want? Here you go.

Finally, as if that weren't enough, it is also used to:

• Form natural defensive hedges

• Create fire barriers

• Combat erosion

• Create ornamental gardens suitable for desert regions

credit: WEB

• Purify water: By adding cactus slime (the mucilage contained in cactus plants) to water contaminated by sediment and bacteria, the water is purified by the agglomeration of these impurities, which sink to the bottom, making it 98% drinkable.

• Raising scale insects, to obtain a beautiful red dye used in candy, among other things.

credit: WEB

The magical plant that gives us these fruits and these paddles is a cactus called opuntia, prickly pear, or nopal (in Mexico).

This plant, now found all over the world, is native to Mexico and its importance is such that it even appears on its flag.

credit: WEB

A Little History

The prickly pear cactus was unknown in Europe before the voyages of Christopher Columbus. The conquistadors, surprised by its delicious fruit and even more so by the scale insect breeding, brought it back to Europe in the 1500s.

Today, the plant is cultivated in Africa and the Americas, but... it is among the most harmful invasive species in Europe in the 21st century. Perhaps they simply didn't understand the immense potential of the opuntia.