by Kimi Eisele

For hardy desert dwellers, springtime means foraging for food amidst the cactus spines. Cholla buds are rich in calcium and magnesium and, like nopales, fall low on the glycemic index, which means they can help stabilize blood sugar. In a time of pandemic, finding nourishment from the desert — and from the people who know it well — takes on special significance. BorderLore editor Kimi Eisele produced this audio essay on the intangible cultural heritage of cholla harvesting.
Interviewed in this audio essay: Amy Valdés Schwemm, Tanisha Tucker, Jesus García
Special thanks to Vanessa Barchfield for production support.
All photos by Kimi Eisele:




Resources
Tohono O’odham Community Action (TOCA) works to create a healthy, sustainable and culturally vital community on the Tohono O’odham Nation in Southern Arizona.
The blog Savor the Southwest offers bountiful tips and recipes for desert harvesting.
Desert Harvesters’ Eat Mesquite and More: A Cookbook for Sonoran Desert Foods and Living (2018) offers recipes and information about harvesting over 15 desert foods, including cholla.
Thank you for sharing this we have hundreds of cholla plants and several mesquite trees on 1.3 acre home in Catalina.
Stay safe, and be sure to tell your Loved ones that you Love them!
Blessings,
Darwin