This paper presents the physicochemical and nutrimental characterization of fresh nopal (Opuntia ficus indica, Redonda variety) and nopal powder produced at different stages of development. Nopal powder was obtained by dry vacuum technique using 10 2 Torr and low temperature (40°C). The results showed that the nutrimental and mineral composition of nopal changes as a function of the maturation as follow: The ash content increases from 18.41 for nopalitos (60 g of weight) to 23.24% (nopal pads 200 g); calcium content increases from 1.52 to 3.72%, while phosphorous exhibits an opposite trend: 0.43 to 0.27%, respectively. Calcium oxalate was determined by X- ray diffraction and SEM microscopy and quantified by using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Calcium oxalate decreases from 7.95 to 3.47 mg/g and the Ca/P ratio varies from 3.6 to 11. The soluble fibre decreases from 25.22 to 14.91%, while insoluble fibre increases from 29.87 to 41.65%. These results suggest that nopal could be an important source of minerals within the diets of people in Mexico and the rest of Latin America.
It was found that the physicochemical composition of nopal changes as a function of the maturation state. Ca increases while P presents an opposite trend. Dehydrated nopal pads contain high levels of K. An important feature of this study is related to the Ca/P relationship, indicating this vegetable could represent in the near future an important source to be included in the diet in Latin America. Considering the lactose intolerance in certain parts of the population, nopal (200 g) could be an alternative as Ca source. The oxalates content decreases around 50% for nopal 60 to 200 g as a function of maturation. The bioavailability of nopal could have more impact in diets based upon old pads (200 g) that usually are not included in diet. Nopal pads with more than 250 g can not be included, because at longer maturations stages the calcium content decreases. The changes in the total fiber as a function of maturation could increase the potential application of this product in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis.