The nopal cactus grows extensively throughout Mexico. Over 3,000,000 hectares (7,400,000 acres) of land is used to cultivate nopal.
Nopal fruit is an excellent source of the dietary mineral manganese (20% of the Daily Value, DV) and a good source of vitamin C (13% DV) and magnesium (11% DV), Per cup serving, , with nutrient content improving as the plant matures.