In a previous article dedicated to nopal, Mexico’s green gold, I spoke of its many virtues. Today, I’d like to devote this article to its fruit, “The Tunas”.

Ethnobotany and Traditional Use

Known in France as the prickly pear, the “tuna” is the fruit of the nopal, a cactus belonging to the Opuntia genus. Native to Mexico, this plant plays a central role in Mexican history and culture. Pre-Columbian civilizations, such as the Aztecs, saw the prickly pear not only as an essential food source, but also as a sacred symbol.

The prickly pear has been eaten for millennia, both for its juicy fruit and for its nutrient-rich, edible snacks. The Aztecs called this fruit “nochtli”, and the cactus itself was revered, so much so that it features in the myth of the founding of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec empire. This myth, illustrated by an eagle perched on a nopal devouring a snake, is a symbol that can still be found today on the Mexican flag.

In the 16th century, with the Spanish colonization of the Americas, the prickly pear was introduced to Europe and other parts of the world. It quickly adapted to Mediterranean and North African environments, where it became an integral part of local agriculture.

Cosmetic benefits

Prickly pear seed oil, often referred to as “liquid gold”, is particularly sought-after in the cosmetics industry. Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, phytosterols and antioxidants superior to Argan oil, this oil offers numerous benefits for the skin.

  • Anti-aging: Thanks to its high vitamin E content, it protects the skin from free radicals, which are responsible for skin aging. It helps reduce wrinkles, while improving skin firmness and elasticity.
  • Moisturizing and regenerating: Highly moisturizing, it easily penetrates the skin without leaving a greasy film. Ideal for dry, irritated or sensitive skin.
  • Treatment of scars and stretch marks: Its regenerative properties make it an excellent treatment for reducing scars, stretch marks and brown spots.

Tunisia and Morocco are the world’s leading exporters of this precious oil. Extracting it requires around 1 tonne of fruit to produce one liter of oil, which explains its high price.

Thanks to its remarkable effects on the skin, many cosmetics brands are now exploiting the virtues of prickly pear oil.

At Axolotl Beauty, in close collaboration with Mexican ethnobotany, we offer a face serum for blemished skin. Thanks to the virtues of organic prickly pear oil, tepezcohuite, organic jojoba oil and organic tea tree, this serum is a veritable cocktail of benefits for the skin.

References:

https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/4b694ae2-4ecb-47ec-a3eb-732df80d1475/content

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/high-fiber-low-carb-foods#The-bottom-line

https://www.cosmebio.org/fr/nos-dossiers/2018-03-huile-graines-figue-barbarie-anti-age/#:~:text=Pour%20produire%20un%20litre%20d,d’%C3%AAtre%20press%C3%A9s%20%C3%A0%20froid.