Mesquite Tree

Velvet mesquite tree on Tumacácori Mission grounds

Photo by Anita Badertscher

 

The mesquite tree was extremely important to the O'odham people. The bean pods were an essential food staple. The hard wood is excellent as firewood and as a building material.

Both Velvet and Honey mesquites are found at Tumacácori, with Velvet mesquite being by far the most prevalent tree in the park.

 

Velvet mesquite bean pods

Photo Courtesy of Tarleton University

The mesquite bean can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable when fresh. Fully ripened and dried, the pod can be ground into a flour that is sweet and very high in protein.