Cactus Is Part Of My Five-A-Day Plan

Where does one find edible cactus in Philadelphia? It's on menus everywhere-from the black bean, portabello, and cactus burrito at Pico de Gallo, where it acts as a meaty filling in a Cali-style package, to the zesty Nopal Ensalada at Cantina, with grilled cactus paddle and pumpkin seeds. Both El Vez and Plaza Garibaldi have cactus salads, and I'm just waiting for it to show up in the produce section at the super. I'll have to track some down at an "Italian" Market bodega. The earthy, subtle flavor of it reminds me of mushroom, slightly of avocado. If more readily available, the cactus could become a hit in refrigerator crispers everywhere.