Centuries ago, the Aztec people were facing drought and famine.  Forced to look for a new home, the Aztecs searched for 200 years until their leaders received a vision telling them where to find a safe haven.  Following their prophecy, the Aztecs built Tenochtitlan, "the place of prickly pear among rocks".

Today Tenochtitlan is the site of Mexico City.  The depiction of the city’s Aztec founding is seen on the Mexican national flag, an eagle holding a snake sitting atop a prickly pear cactus.  

Nochtli™ (nŌkt-lee) was the Aztec word for this amazing cactus plant with its two, nutrient-rich components: succulent nopal pads and beautiful prickly pear fruits.  The Aztecs flourished relying on the abundance of prickly pear cacti as a vital nutritional source.