Mesquite

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Mesquite is a tree or shrub of the legume family. These trees can reach a height of 6-9 m, although in most cases they are the size of a bush. They have narrow, pointed leaves, reaching a length of 50 to 75 mm, and their fruits are pods with bean-shaped seeds.

The branches of the tree have a characteristic zigzag shape. Some types of mesquite have needle-sharp spines up to 75 mm long. The thorns are strong enough to pass through the sole of a shoe and can easily burst a tire.

Most species are very hardy and drought-resistant, as they have a deep root system that hosts bacterial colonies that retain nitrogen, which is very important for plant growth and is converted from them into dietary protein.

The mesquite is distributed in arid areas around the world, including parts of South America and the southwestern United States. Mesquite trees have also been found in the Chihuahua Desert in Mexico.

Types of mesquite

There are about 45 species of mesquite trees and shrubs found in the tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America, Africa, West Asia and South Asia, the most common of which are copper mesquite, velvet mesquite and Prosopis pubescens.

Prosopis glandulosa or copper mesquite is a tree of the legume family, reaching 6 to 9 m in height. It blooms from March to November and forms pale yellow, oblong pods. It is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is considered an invasive plant that spreads very quickly.

Velvet mesquite or Prosopis velutina is also a tree of the legume family. Reaches 5 to 9 m in height. The young branches of the plant are green. In the beginning the bark is reddish-brown and smooth, darkening over time and becoming crumbly. Yellow thorns 2.5 cm long appear on the branches. The leaves of this species are tender and reach 15 cm in length.

Prosopis pubescens is a species of mesquite tree or shrub also of the legume family. This species is distributed in Texas, Arizona, California and others. The plant reaches 7 m in height. It has a light brown bark. Forms short, straight thorns, 1 to 3 cm long. The pod of the plant is twisted very interestingly and looks like a screw.

Composition of mesquite

The mesquite contains protein, it has a low glycemic index and is a good source of easily degradable fiber, which means that it is broken down slowly and does not cause a sudden rise in blood sugar. Mesquite is also an excellent source of calcium, iron, lysine, manganese, zinc, magnesium, potassium and dietary fiber.

Benefits of mesquite

In the desert areas of the United States, the pods and seeds of the mesquite tree have long been used as a source of food by the locals. They ground the mesquite into a powder, which they later used as flour, sweetener or as the main ingredient for making sweet drinks and fermented alcohol. For thousands of years, Native Americans in the southwest and Mexico regularly consumed mesquite, leading to almost zero levels of diabetes in these communities.

The mesquite is a wonderful natural remedy. Mesquite flour effectively balances blood sugar, as its sugars are in the form of fructose, which does not require insulin for metabolism, ground grains help maintain a constant blood sugar level for a long time. Mesquite improves the diet of diabetics and supports the work of the pancreas.

Mesquite powder or mesquite tea can be made from the leaves and roots as well as the bark of the tree. To this day, mesquite is used in the manufacture of various drugs or the plant itself is used as an herb, mainly for the treatment of wounds, eye problems and skin diseases. It is also known to have a beneficial effect on the digestive system. Mesquite also helps with insect stings and minor infections. Mesquite leaves are used to make tea, which helps with headaches and stomach aches. In the past, eye decoctions were treated with such a decoction.

Mesquite is absorbed by the body much more slowly than other types of cereals and maintains the feeling of satiety. As the plant lowers blood sugar levels, the body experiences less stress and the pancreas gradually normalizes its activity. And with prolonged consumption of mesquite it is possible for this body to fully restore its functions.

To this day, there is controversy over whether this plant is a tree or a shrub. However, the opinion that mesquite is life-giving is indisputable. It is hardly a coincidence that the other name by which he is known is the Tree of Life.

Mesquite flour is considered a unique super food with high nutritional value and delicate delicate taste. In addition to its nutritional properties, mesquite flour has social and environmental significance. The marketing of mesquite products grown in arid areas supports the breeding of these tree species, which in turn compensates for their felling and conversion into charcoal and products of modern industry.

Mesquite in cooking

Mesquite powder can also be added as a sweetener to beverages. Regular inclusion of mesquite flour and mesquite powder in the diet has a number of advantages. Mesquite dishes and drinks are lower in carbohydrates and fats, high in fiber and naturally sweet, ie. no calories to feel guilty about.

Thanks to its natural sweetness, mesquite is the most suitable food for diabetics. Mesquite flour can also be added to cakes, roasts, salads and more.

The mesquite can be used in various types of raw crackers, breads, biscuits, pies and other pastries as a flavoring sweetener or in combination with other types of cereals.

High levels of lysine make mesquite a valuable ingredient in the preparation of some types of cookies and dehydrated foods in which lysine levels are low.

The molasses-like taste and light taste of caramel make it a perfect addition to various types of drinks (tea, coffee, fresh fruit and smoothies). It is successfully combined with nut and grain fresh and yogurt, fruit and nut spreads.

As a spice, mesquite can be added to soups, sauces and almost all types of vegetable dishes. Powdered mesquite is an excellent addition to raw or cooked desserts.

If you need an idea to decorate your desserts and cream soups, you can safely sprinkle them with mesquite flour. This will not only increase their nutritional value, but also give you a guarantee of optimal health.

Recipe for banana bread with mesquite

mesquite flour - 3/4 tsp, flour - 1 tsp, sugar - 2/3 tsp, soda - 1/2 tsp. for bread, bananas - 1 tsp. ground, baking powder - 2 tsp, butter - 1/3 tsp, fresh milk - 1/2 tsp, eggs - 2 pcs., walnuts - 1/4 tsp. crushed, salt - 1/4 tbsp.

Method of preparation: Mix the mesquite flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the banana puree, eggs, butter and milk. Beat the mixture on low until all the ingredients are mixed, then on high for 2 minutes. Add flour. Beat again and add the nuts. Pour the mixture into a greased pan. Bake the banana bread for about 1 hour at 350 degrees. Then cool the cake and remove it from the pan.