Join Baja Arizona Sustainable Agriculture at the Sierra Vista Farmers Market (Veterans' Memorial Park, 3105 E. Fry Blvd) to learn how to harvest, process, and store mesquite pods in preparation for our Community Mesquite Millings this fall. Sample mesquite baked goods, purchase mesquite flour, and pick up free harvesting guides and recipes. Local experts will be on hand throughout the market to answer any questions you may have. Free! For further info, contact Meghan at 520-331-9821 or meghan.mix@bajaaz.org.
Mesquite is a legume that was a traditional staple for indigenous peoples of the Sonoran Desert. The 6 to 8 inch long beans are high in protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and minerals. Mature pods can be dried and ground into a sweet, nutritious flour in a hammer mill. Although the flour is naturally sweet, it is also extremely effective in controlling blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Mesquite flour can be substituted for part of the other flour and part of the sweetening used in any baked good to make it healthier.
