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Now welcome green tortillas made from nopales.

"It tastes just like a homemade style tortilla," said Karina Felix, President of Global Distribution Solutions. "The only real difference is, they are made out of cactus."

Global Distribution Solutions, a wholesale distributor of health products, has introduced Señor Cactus to the Tucson market, tortillas from Zacatecas, Mexico.

"What grabbed our attention with this product is it's very innovative and different," said Karina Felix. "We saw the nutritional content on it and we were very impressed."

Quite possibly the healthiest tortillas on the market, said Felix, Señor Cactus tortillas are 55 percent fresh cactus and 45 percent whole grain corn with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives added. With a mere 19 calories, the cacti tortillas out beat the traditional corn tortilla by approximately 50 calories. Although another cactus tortilla, the "Nopaltilla" is sold in California, Señor Cactus is 30 calories less.

"At first I didn't want to do a tortilla because of the short shelf-life they have," said Felix. "But thanks to the unique vacuum-sealed packaging, the tortillas have an 180 day shelf-life that keeps them nice, fresh and delicious," said Felix.

The tortilla's slightly green-exterior and vaguely sweet flavor make it stand out amongst regular corn and flour tortillas.

"They have an interesting taste. I can definitely taste the cactus which gives them a strange taste," said Olga Sandoval, an employee of Mi Casita Tortilla Factory, 4439 S. Sixth Ave. "Yeah, its a good idea to make healthier tortillas, but why cactus?"

Cactus, according to Felix, is a natural product that is high in fiber, contains calcium and iron, regulates glucose levels, can improve circulation, and can even help with weight loss.

"It's actually better than any regular tortilla I have ever tasted," said Steve Nelson, a retired chiropractor and a new fan. "I am always looking for alternatives for healthy food items, and this was just perfect."

Tortillas date back to approximately 10,000 years before Christ, according to the Tortilla Industry Association of Arlington, Virginia .

Tortillas have spread throughout the United States, due to the wide-spread popularity of Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, making tortillas more popular than bagels, and pita bread. The tortilla is also often being substituted for the more traditional bread, according to the association.

"This tortilla is still part of our culture, but with a twist," said Felix. "Our grandparents raised us on tortillas and took care of us and now we get to take care of them by showing them a healthier version of what they fed us all our lives."

Felix, a Nogales, Arizona, native, started her company two years ago out of her home after getting a master's degree in business from the University of Phoenix.

"I just never thought I would own my own company, but, here I am," said Felix.

"No matter what I was doing though, I always knew I wanted to do good. I mean, I use to be a school teacher. With this product I feel like I am taking that same approach by educating people about nutritional healthy eating and taking care of themselves."

Feilx has made the cactus tortilla part of her daily diet.

"I'm not going to say 'I'm never eating another flour tortilla in my life,' but I know I am making wiser choices now for myself and my family," said Felix.

Global Distribution Solutions has every intention of expanding to include more healthy grocery items, and to expand to other parts of the globe, said Felix.

Señor Cactus Tortillas are available locally at the following locations: New Life Health Centers , Rincon Market, Aqua Vita Natural Food Market , Tucson Tamale Company , Carniceria El Herradero , La Cima Market , and the Walgreens at 605 W. Ajo.