The Tree of Life: Mesquite is a tree or shrub that grows in desert regions around the world, areas unsuitable for most agriculture. On 25% of our planet, mesquite species can be found growing without the help of fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, or compounding. This is not surprising as the mesquite tree’s root system can grow more than 100 feet down in search of water, making it a tough survivor in harsh climates. Like many members of the legume family, mesquite restores nitrogen to the soil.

Mesquite forms bean-like pod fruits in the fall that have long been a nutritious food source for humans, wildlife, and livestock. Mesquite pods do not open when ripe. The pods of the 3 common species of mesquite (Honey Mesquite, Screwbean Mesquite, and Velvet Mesquite) are edible, although Screwbean is less flavorful than the more widespread Honey Mesquite. A favorite of bees and other insects, mesquite flowers produce a fragrant honey.

Mesquite is known as the tree of life due to its many uses: Native Americans from the desert regions of Arizona and California used all parts of the tree. Its bark was used for basketry, ceramics, fabrics, ropes and medicines. The trunk and branches were used in the manufacture of bows, arrows, mortars and furniture; Because it burns slowly and without smoke, mesquite makes a good firewood. The thorns were used to tattoo and make sewing needles. The leaves were used to make tea, to rinse the eyes, and for headaches and stomach pain. Chewing gum was used as a sweet gum, ceramic repair glue, face paint, ceramic paint, and hair dye.

But it was the mesquite pod, with its nutritious and bittersweet pulp, that provided the most benefit to the desert peoples. The pods were collected in the fall, when they were yellowish-brown in color and still hanging from the tree. They were dried in the sun and then stored in large baskets for future use. The beans (both pods and seeds) were ground into a coarse flour, then, by adding water, they were transformed into an uncooked cake. Some cultures removed the seeds from the pods and ground them into a flour called pinole, from which bread was baked.

Mesquite as food: Mesquite flour has a sweet, nutty flavor. This fragrant flour can be used in baking or as a condiment in food and beverages.

  • When used in baking, is used in combination with other flours; the ratio is generally 1 part mesquite flour to 2 to 3 cup grain or rice flour. Since mesquite is sweet, you may want to cut down on the sugar in the recipe. Try mesquite on your pancakes, muffins, cakes, cornbread, or cookies.
  • As a spice, mesquite flour is great for seasoning steaks, chicken, pork, and fish. Sprinkle mesquite over meats and vegetables before grilling; add it to your meat and fish breading. It can be added to stir-fries of vegetables, scrambled eggs, cookies, breads, soups, and even ice cream.

For anyone sipping a morning smoothie or using a meal replacement drink, try adding a tablespoon of mesquite flour. Hunger won’t return for 4 to 6 hours. Or use mesquite to make a cool summer drink or tea!

  • Summer mesquite drink: Add 2 tablespoons of finely ground mesquite flour to 1 cup of cold water. Stir and let stand for a couple of minutes, then strain, add honey to taste, and serve.
  • Mesquite tea: Place 1 pound. of mesquite pods in 1 gallon of water. Boil the pods, to a boil, for 30 minutes. Remove the pods and strain. Cool the broth and serve over ice.

And a healthy meal at that! Mesquite flour is low in carbohydrates and fat, low on the glycemic index, high in dietary fiber, and naturally sweet. The amount of nutrition provided by mesquite flour is staggering – it is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, protein, and lysine.

According to medical studies, mesquite “it is extremely effective in controlling blood sugar levels” in diabetics. The natural sweetness of the pods comes from fructose, which the body can process without insulin. Additionally, soluble fibers, such as galactomannin gum, in the seeds and pods slow the absorption of nutrients, resulting in a flattened blood sugar curve. Gel-forming fiber allows food to be digested and absorbed slowly over a 4-6 hour period, rather than a 1-2 hour period (resulting in a rapid rise in blood sugar).

Mesquite as medicine: The medicinal properties of mesquite have long been used by many native tribes throughout the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is most commonly used to treat eye conditions, open wounds, and dermatological ailments. Acting as an antacid, it can also treat digestive problems. It is used as an antibiotic and has soothing, astringent and antiseptic properties.

The roots, bark and leaves are cold and dry. They are antifungal, antimicrobial, astringent, antiseptic, and antispasmodic. A powder or tea can be made from any of the above materials for athlete’s foot and general fungal infections. This disinfectant wash or powder can be used for minor infections, stings, bites, sores, and scrapes.

The leaves and pods can be turned into an eye wash for inflammations of all kinds, including conjunctivitis. Diarrhea, dysentery, stomach ulcers, dyspepsia, and most gastrointestinal inflammations are relieved by the leaves, roots, and bark. In a poultice, the leaves were used topically for headaches or even fire ant stings. The tender sprouts, ground and roasted, were used to dissolve kidney stones.

The white inner bark is used as an intestinal antispasmodic. The bark is also helpful in stopping excessive menstrual bleeding and reducing fever.

Mesquite gum or resin is the most widely used element of mesquite. It is used as an eye rinse to treat infections and irritations. It has several dermatological uses, including treating sores, wounds, burns, raw and cracked skin, and sunburns. It is used as a tonic after episodes of dysentery, diarrhea, stomach / intestinal upset, and food poisoning. It is used as a reliever for stomach / intestinal pain, ulcers, colitis, and hemorrhoids. Mesquite gum is also used as a treatment for lice, coughs, sore throats, mouth sores, laryngitis, fever reduction, tooth and gum pain.