Influence of the physico-chemical characteristics of nopalitos on its eating quality
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Date
2020-01
Authors
Mpemba, Onele Suzan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
More than 820 million people in the world are suffering from hunger and 1.3 billion from food
insecurity. People experiencing food security have sufficient access to safe, sufficient and
nutritious food in both quality and quantity. In Africa, food insecurity is on the rise because
of population increase, global warming and desertification. There is a need for droughtresilient crops which will be less impacted by climate change as only climate-smart food
systems can lead to food security.
The cactus pear is capable of providing sustainable food production in arid and semi-arid
areas. Cactus pears (Opuntia ficus-indica) produces young and edible cladodes known as
nopalitos. Nopalitos are a source of sustainable, economic and nutritious food and could be
an important food source to livestock and human alike. In Mexico, nopalitos are a traditional
food, eaten fresh or cooked in dishes enjoyed through many generations.
The aim of the study was to identify the most ideal size, cultivar and harvesting season for
optimal eating qualities. The characteristics of nopalitos from the two cultivars (Fusicaulis and
Morado) were compared to be able to select the most ideal eating cultivar. Nopalitos were
also compared to different well-known vegetables to describe the texture, taste and juiciness.
Consumers are reluctant to try unknown food, therefore, a description of how nopalitos taste
was attempted in this study. The ideal post-harvest handling, the preferred cooking methods
and the optimal cooking times to use in cooking instructions and recipes for South African
consumers were determined in this study.
Physicochemical characteristics (length, weight, width, diameter, surface area, volume,
colour, firmness, compressibility, TA, pH, TSS, mucilage, moisture and viscosity) of Fusicaulis
and Morado nopalitos were determined and compared between size (9 cm, 12 cm, 15 cm,
18 cm, 21 cm and 24 cm), two seasons (autumn and spring) and over two years (2017 & 2018).
The nopalitos were compared to different vegetables (baby marrow, carrot, celery,
cucumber, green beans, green pepper, onion and tomato) in order to observe the differences
and similarities of nopalitos compared to other popular vegetables. The influence of cooking
methods and different time increments on the texture of nopalitos and green peppers was
compared.
The important differences between the characteristics of the two cultivars were influenced
by size and season as opposed to cultivar and year. The optimal size and cultivar were
observed between 15 cm and 18 cm of Morado nopalitos. There were similarities observed
between nopalitos and vegetables in the turgidity, texture and taste. The taste of nopalitos
could be described as being more sour than tomatoes, and as having comparable sugar
content compared to celery, green pepper and green beans. Nopalitos can be cooked using
the following methods roasting, boiling and shallow frying over a shorter cooking time.
Both cultivars of Opuntia ficus-indica were observed to be suitable for use as fresh vegetable
source between the size of 15 cm and 18 cm as they were thinner, brighter green, softer and
less slimy. It is ideal to harvest nopalitos over the autumn season because nopalitos had
highest quality attributes. Nopalitos can be prepared similarly to most vegetables using the
simple cooking methods (roasting, boiling and shallow frying) for a limited cooking period.
Nopalitos have potential as a source of fresh vegetables in South Africa because of similarities
in turgidity, texture and taste to popular vegetables. Cactus pear plants have been thriving in
the world for decades and could contribute to decreasing the number of people suffering
from food insecurity.
Description
Keywords
Dissertation (M.Sc. (Consumer Science))--University of the Free State, 2020, Food security, Food systems, Arid and semi-arid plants, Opuntia ficus-indica, Nopalitos, Fusicaulis and morado cultivars, Droughtresilient crops, Alternative food sources, Fresh vegetables, Food insecurity, Hunger, Cactus pears, Cooking methods