Introduction
PuntiaVera® Certified Organic Nopal Cactus Cladodes Powder ingredient (Opuntia ficus indica) is carefully dehydrated and milled under stringently controlled conditions and to exacting standards set by Garuda International's technical team. It is a rich wholefood source of dietary fiber (soluble fiber and insoluble fiber) and contains naturally occurring high molecular weight polysaccharides. Many investigational studies have led researchers to determine that Nopal (Opuntia ficus indica), as a whole food, has multiple health benefits. PuntiaVera® Nopal Cladodes Dehydrated (Opuntia ficus indica), Tea Bag Cut raw material is also an abundant source of pectins. Its unique mucilage is beneficial to the human digestive system.

Benefits
• Certified Organic Ingredient

• Whole Food Soluble Fiber (Fibre) Raw Material

• Gluten-Free Ingredient

• Particle size ideal for tea bags (tea bag cut)

• Non-GMO Raw Material

• Controlled facility drying

• Grown and Processed in North America

• Low calorie Ingredient

• Low Glycemic Index Raw Material

Advantages
PuntiaVera® Dehydrated Nopal Cactus Cladodes (Opuntia ficus indica) Tea Bag Cut, Ingredient is Certified Organic. Traditionally, Nopal cactus pads (Cladodes) have been sliced and sun-dried, however that traditional method exposes the delicate inner flesh of the vegetable Nopal to UV radiation (possible nutrient degradation) and more importantly it exposes this human food to potential rodent, bird droppings and insect contamination and infestations. Garuda International's PuntiaVera® Certified Organic Nopal Cactus Cladodes Powder (Opuntia ficus indica) raw material is sliced, dried and milled under strictly controlled conditions in regulated, indoor food processing facilities. While controlled food-grade processing is more costly and capital-intensive for vegetable products, safety, quality & consistency are fundamental requirements for all of Garuda International's ingredients/raw materials. The particle size of this material is especially suitable for use in herbal teas and tea bags (tea bag cut).

Quality Assurance
Microbial counts, moisture content and particle size are carefully controlled through proprietary processing techniques in food processing facilities (no outdoor sun-drying) with rigorous testing of every batch. Full Certificates of Analysis that meet Garuda International's exacting standards for purity, quality and safety are included with every shipment.

Regulatory
PuntiaVera® Dehydrated Nopal Cactus Cladodes (Opuntia ficus indica) Tea Bag Cut is a wholefood vegetable raw material. The fresh Nopal Cactus Cladodes are consumed daily in many parts of the world including North America where it is a popular vegetable. It has been consumed in the EU prior to May 1997 and is exempt from the EU Novel Food procedure. References have also been made in literature in 1992 of it's consumption as a food in Europe. (Flores-Valdez, 1992) PuntiaVera® Dehydrated Nopal Cactus Cladodes (Opuntia ficus indica) Tea Bag Cut is Certified Organic.

Applications
PuntiaVera® Dehydrated Nopal Cactus Cladodes (Opuntia ficus indica) Tea Bag Cut Ingredient is especially suited for

• Herbal Tea Blends
• Tea Bags
• Weight control Teas

Gastrointestinal & Weight Management Support
PuntiaVera® Dehydrated Nopal Cactus Cladodes (Opuntia ficus indica) Tea Bag Cut Ingredient is a good source of soluble fiber, mucilaginous polysaccharides and unique glycoproteins, which provide support to the human gastrointestinal tract.