Mesquite

Mesquite

The Value of Mesquite

Mesquite pod meal is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, protein, and lysine.

Mesquite pods were once a treasured part of the Pima and Tohono O'odham diet. The sweet pods are a good source of calcium, manganese, iron, and zinc. The seeds within are 40 percent protein. Mesquite flour from grinding the whole pods produces fructose, which can be processed without insulin, and soluble fibers, which are slowly absorbed, without a rapid rise in blood sugar.

Medical studies of mesquite and other desert foods, said that despite its sweetness, mesquite flour (made by grinding whole pods) "is extremely effective in controlling blood sugar levels" in people with diabetes. The sweetness comes from fructose, which the body can process without insulin. In addition, soluble fibers, such as galactomannin gum, in the seeds and pods slow absorbtion of nutrients, resulting in a flattened blood sugar curve, unlike the peaks that follow consumption of wheat flour, corn meal and other common staples.

"The gel-forming fiber allows foods to be slowly digested and absorbed over a four- to six-hour period, rather than in one or two hours, which produces a rapid rise in blood sugar,"

What Is Mesquite

Raw, Wildcrafted Mesquite Pod Meal is a nutritious condiment ground from the bean pods of the wild mesquite tree. This Peruvian variety is outstanding and better than the Sonoran type. Our raw wild mesquite powder is some of the highest quality available. Wildcrafted is better than organic. This aromatic powder or meal can be used as a sweetener or flavor enhancer for your raw food and other culinary creations. Use it in salads, flax crackers, raw pies and frozen desserts. Add it to soups, sauces, pastas, vegetables, pie crusts, or sprinkle on desserts such as fruit compotes or frozen smoothies.

The entire mesquite pod is ground, including the protein-rich seed. This produces a meal that is highly nutritious as well as flavorful. The meal ground from the pod contains 11 to 17 percent protein. A high lysine content makes it the perfect addition to crackers and dehydrated foods often low in this amino acid. Raw Wildcrafted Mesquite pod meal is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, protein, and lysine. It has a pleasantly sweet molasses-like flavor with a hint of caramel. Traditionally, the pod flour or meal was made into a porridge. Since the flavor and nutritional value of raw mesquite pod meal is high, it should be regarded more as a condiment rather than a flour or meal. However, it can be used to replace a portion of your flour in baking and is high in soluble fiber and protein.

Raw Mesquite Pod Meal represents more than bringing another food to the market. The purpose of marketing mesquite products is to demonstrate that mesquite forests in many parts of the world can produce much greater wealth by harvesting their yields than by cutting down trees for rangeland, firewood or charcoal.

Our supply of mesquite powder is harvested in rural areas where economic options are few. By providing a greater return to the producers than can be obtained from other uses of mesquite, we are increasing the value of a resource and coupling the conservation of important mesquite woodlands with economic prosperity.

Your use of this wildcrafted mesquite pod meal product provides not only the satisfaction of the flavor, it also provides support for the conservation of natural and cultural resources through economic incentives, the heart of the concept of sustainability.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, nor is this information meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Return To Super Foods

Forward To Wellness

Back