Barbados gooseberry (ora-pro-nóbis)

Pereskia aculeata, P. grandifolia

leaf

Fleshy leaves of a climbing cactus, very rich in protein, stir-fried with chicken or in the angu of Minas Gerais.

Origin

Brazil (Minas Gerais)

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The leaves are carefully pulled from the thorny stems; they are stir-fried for a few minutes, or eaten raw in salads, and make the sauce slightly slippery.

Molecules

Beta-carotene (vitamin A) · Lutein and zeaxanthin · Betalains · Vegetable nitrates · ChlorophyllIn small amounts, not counted Mucilages · Protein

Did you know?

Its Latin name means “pray for us”: churchgoers picked it in the priest's garden during Mass.