Corn and Diced Cactus Relish

Edible cactus, or nopales as they are known in Mexico, are startlingly good. They are available fresh in markets that sell exotic West Indian produce. I buy them in London’s Ridley Road market, at the stall on Kingsland High Street, one street up from the main market. The vendor tells me they are used as a hair rinse rather than food. To cook cactus paddles, trim them along the edges and scrape off any prickly bits. Slice and boil. They exude a lot of sticky liquid. Rinse and drain, and tos