Prickly Pear Cactus Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 2 fresh prickly pear cactus pads (nopales), cleaned and diced
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1 green apple, cored and chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger
• 1 cup water
• Ice cubes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Carefully clean the cactus pads and remove any spines.
2. Chop all ingredients into small pieces.
3. Add the cactus, cucumber, apple, lemon juice, ginger, and water to a blender.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Strain if desired and serve chilled.