How to Trim and Cut Cactus Paddles

When using fresh nopales, cactus paddles, that haven’t been trimmed, remove the spines before washing each pad. First remove the spines on the outer edge by placing each cactus pad flat on a cutting board. Hold the base and use the tip of a sharp knife to press into the base. Remove about ¼- inch of the entire outer edge by sliding the knife tip all around the pad, working your way back around to the base. Next, remove the spines in the middle of the pad by placing the nopal flat on a cutting board. Hold the base and place the knife blade flat on the pad. Slide the knife blade along the surface. This should remove most of the spines. Slide the knife blade along any individual remaining spines to remove them. It’s okay to remove some of the green outer peel near each spine. Repeat with the other side until all spines are removed. Now you can safely wash each nopal pad without getting a hand full of spines. Despined pads can be diced, julienned or cooked whole. These can also be frozen and easily thawed when ready to cook.