Acitrón

The acitrón is a Mexican candy which is commonly used as a decoration on a three kings' cake. As an ingredient, it has great cultural significance since it is used in a large number of ritual and festive preparations. Unfortunately, the biznaga cactus from which acitróns are made is an endangered species due to excessive consumption.

In Pre-Columbian Mexico, ancient peoples used the acitrón as a food source as well as for ritual purposes, according to artifacts found in caves near Tehuacán. Currently, the extraction and consumption of biznaga cactus pith to produce acitróns is a federal crime in Mexico.

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