Mesquite Powder If you know Carob, you’ll love its protein-rich cousin, Mesquite. It has a complex, molasses-like flavor with a hint of caramel which blends well into smoothies or other drinks, especially those made with cacao and maca. Used as a power food for centuries by the hardy inhabitants of South American deserts, Mesquite contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc, and is also rich in the amino acid lysine. It adds thickness, sweet flavor and a smooth texture to many recipes — and it’s high in protein! This is currently one of the few certified-organic and Kosher Mesquites on the market.
Mesquite is high in protein, low on the glycemic index, and a good source of soluble fiber, meaning it digests relatively slowly and does not cause spikes in blood sugar. This gluten-free powder is also a good source of calcium, iron, lysine, manganese, zinc, and potassium.
Mesquite powder (or mesquite meal) is an excellent addition to smoothies, used in cooked or raw desserts, or stirred into food or drinks for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use it in smoothies: Just a spoonful of this superfood powder adds a sweet, rich flavor to smoothies and shakes. or in cooked desserts: You can substitute up to half* the flour in a recipe with mesquite powder for added flavor and nutrition. Given mesquite's naturally sweet flavor, you may also be able to reduce the amount of sugar or other sweetener used in baking.
*Note: You may want to begin by substituting mesquite for a ¼ of the flour in a given recipe and experiment with adding more, given that all flours have different properties.
Raw Desserts:
Mesquite is also great in raw desserts. Although it can be used as a flour in baking, unlike most flours, it does not require cooking to taste great! Mesquite powder once again adds flavor, but also helps raw cookies, balls, and crusts bind together, as in the recipe below.
This raw cookie recipe is a total superfood treat, combining mesquite with raw cacao powder and goji berries - two of the best foods on the planet.
INGREDIENTS
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1 cup walnuts
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¼ cup raw cacao powder
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¼ cup mesquite powder
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¼ cup goji berries
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½ cup raisins
PREPARATION
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Soak goji berries for about 5 minutes to soften.
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Pulse nuts in food processor until no large piece remain.
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Add cacao and mesquite powders and pulse to combine.
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Add raisins and drained goji berries; pulse just until a soft dough forms.
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Roll into small balls.
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Refrigerate about an hour to firm.
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Store refrigerated in an airtight container.
