White prickly pear cactus (Opuntia megacantha) and traditional cuisine of the Bajío: identity, use and continuity

Abstract

This study analyzes the white prickly pear cactus (Opuntia megacantha) as a fundamental element of the traditional cuisine of the Bajío region, highlighting its role in shaping food identity, its uses, and its continued presence in the contemporary gastronomic context. Despite being an emblematic species of the region, its presence in daily diets has declined, prompting reflection on its cultural, gastronomic, and heritage value. The research was conducted from a holistic perspective, integrating academic, cultural, social, and environmental dimensions through a mixed-methods approach that combined field and experimental research. The fieldwork phase included an interview with Lourdes Camarena, a traditional cook from Manuel Doblado, Guanajuato, whose project, “La Cocina de Mamá”, demonstrates how traditional cuisine contributes to the preservation of ancestral knowledge, cultural resistance, food justice, and the strengthening of solidarity economies through the use of local ingredients such as the prickly pear cactus. The experimental phase consisted of designing and preparing four dishes with white prickly pear cactus as the central ingredient: Botanita Leonesa (a type of appetizer), a non-Caprese salad, a tuna and pickled tostada, and prickly pear cactus fritters in red adobo sauce. Sensory evaluation, conducted with 20 panelists, showed high overall acceptance, with the non-Caprese salad being particularly well-received. Qualitative analysis revealed that the dishes evoked memories, emotions, and cultural connections associated with the traditional cuisine of the Bajío region, reinforcing the symbolic and heritage value of the prickly pear cactus. It is concluded that white prickly pear cactus represents a bridge between tradition and gastronomic continuity, with high potential for its revaluation as an ancestral food and living heritage, due to its culinary versatility, nutritional properties, and deep cultural roots in the Bajío region.