Mesquite Powder Uses

Mesquite powder is made from the ground pods of the mesquite tree, which is native to the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico.

This versatile superfood has a sweet, molasses-like flavor and can be used to add nutrition and delicious taste to both savory and sweet dishes.

What is Mesquite Powder?

The mesquite tree (Prosopis spp.) is a hardy, drought-resistant tree that grows well in arid climates. It produces long, flattened, yellowish seed pods that contain seeds embedded in a sweet pulp. The pods are dried and ground into a nutritious, gluten-free flour that has a unique flavor reminiscent of molasses, hazelnut, caramel, and chocolate.

Mesquite powder is sometimes also called mesquite flour or meal. It has a fine, smooth texture similar to traditional wheat flour. However, since it contains no gluten, it cannot be used on its own to make leavened baked goods. It is often combined with gluten-containing flours like wheat flour.

Key Takeaway: Mesquite powder is a gluten-free flour made by grinding the pods of the mesquite tree. It has a sweet, complex flavor profile.

Nutrition Profile of Mesquite Powder

In addition to its delicious taste, mesquite powder is nutritionally dense. Here are some of the ways this superfood powder boosts your nutrition:

High in protein - Mesquite contains about 13-19% protein, giving it one of the highest protein contents among plant-based flours and making it a good vegetarian protein source.
Excellent source of lysine - Mesquite powder contains high levels of the essential amino acid lysine, which plays important roles in calcium absorption, muscle tissue growth and repair, and immune function.
Rich in minerals - It provides substantial amounts of calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, and potassium. The calcium content is similar to that of milk.
High in fiber - With about 4-7% dietary fiber, mesquite helps support digestive and heart health. The soluble fiber slows nutrient absorption, preventing blood sugar spikes.
Low glycemic index - Despite its sweetness, mesquite powder has a low impact on blood sugar. Its soluble fiber content helps control blood sugar levels.
Antioxidant content - Mesquite pods contain quercetin and epicatechin, two polyphenol antioxidants that combat cellular damage.

Key Takeaway: Mesquite powder provides protein, lysine, antioxidants, minerals, and fiber. It has a low glycemic impact despite its sweet flavor.

Health Benefits of Mesquite Powder

The unique nutritional profile of mesquite powder provides some impressive health advantages. Here are some of the top evidence-based ways this superfood can benefit your health:

Supports blood sugar control - Multiple studies have found mesquite effective at reducing spikes in blood sugar after meals. This helps control diabetes and prevent complications related to blood sugar fluctuations.
Aids weight loss and maintenance - The protein, fiber, and minerals in mesquite powder help you feel full. This promotes weight loss by reducing calorie intake and preventing overeating. The low glycemic impact also helps regulate appetite.
Strengthens bones - Mesquite is an excellent plant-based source of calcium for bone health, providing about 12% of the RDI per ounce. The lysine and magnesium also help with calcium absorption and bone formation.
Builds muscle - The protein and lysine content make mesquite powder beneficial for muscle growth and repair, especially when paired with strength training. Lysine is particularly important for synthesizing muscle protein.
Supports digestive health - Mesquite’s soluble fiber content helps maintain regularity, prevent constipation, and promote growth of healthy gut bacteria.
Helps reduce cholesterol - Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol in the gut, removing it from the body before it can be absorbed. This may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Key Takeaway: Mesquite powder assists with blood sugar control, weight management, bone strength, muscle building, digestion, and cholesterol reduction.

Culinary Uses for Mesquite Powder

The sweet molasses-like flavor and fine texture of mesquite powder make it a versatile addition to both savory dishes and baked goods. Here are some of the many ways you can use mesquite powder:

In Baked Goods

Pancakes & waffles - Add 2-3 tablespoons per cup of flour along with a bit more liquid.
Muffins & quick breads - Replace up to 1/4 of the flour with mesquite powder.
Cookies - Substitute up to 1/3 of the flour. Mesquite complements chocolate wonderfully.
Cakes - Use up to 1/4 mesquite powder along with wheat flour for structure.

In Breakfast Foods

Smoothies - Blend in 1-2 tablespoons per smoothie for flavor, fiber, and nutrients.
Yogurt parfaits - Sprinkle on top along with granola for crunch and sweetness.
Oatmeal - Mix in 2-3 tablespoons mesquite powder while cooking oats.
Hot cereal - Stir in mesquite powder instead of brown sugar or sweeteners.

In Desserts

Fruit crisps and crumbles - Sprinkle on top of the fruit layer before adding streusel topping.
No-bake energy balls - Helps bind ingredients like dates, nuts, and chocolate.
Puddings - Whisk into milk-based or vegan puddings.
Frozen treats - Add to recipes for ice cream, sorbet, or popsicles.

In Beverages

Smoothies - Blend into fruit or green smoothies for natural sweetness.
Milk - Whisk into any milk for flavor reminiscent of malted milk. Toddlers may enjoy it!
Coffee drinks - Stir into coffee, lattes, and other hot drinks in place of sugar.
Hot chocolate - For chocolatey flavor without the stimulant effect of cacao, use with nondairy milk.

In Savory Dishes

Chili or stews - Whisk in up to 1/4 cup when cooking chili or hearty bean and veggie stews.
Meat rubs - Mesquite complements bold flavors like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika.
Salad dressings - Adds mild sweetness and thickness. Use 1 tablespoon per cup of dressing.
Sauces - Mix into tomato-based, cheese, or cream-based savory sauces. Start with 1-2 tablespoons per cup.

How to Bake with Mesquite Powder

When baking quick breads, muffins, or other treats using mesquite powder, keep these tips in mind:

Use about 1/4 to 1/3 mesquite powder along with other flours like wheat flour, coconut flour, or almond flour to provide structure. Mesquite powder contains no gluten.
Reduce other added sugars slightly since mesquite powder lends natural sweetness.
The powder absorbs more liquid, so increase milk or other wet ingredients slightly.
Whisk the powder well into wet batter to prevent clumping.
Expect treats to bake into a slightly flatter shape than with regular flour only. The interior will remain light and tender.
Baking time may be slightly reduced compared to traditional flour. Watch carefully to avoid drying out baked goods.
Double acting baking powder helps items rise more. Use about 1 teaspoon per 1 cup of total flours.
Store baked items containing mesquite powder in the refrigerator or freezer since the powder is prone to mold growth at room temperature.

Key Takeaway: When baking with mesquite powder, use it along with wheat or other flours, increase liquids slightly, and expect a flatter shape with a tender crumb.

Buying and Storing Mesquite Powder

You can find mesquite powder in the baking aisle of some well-stocked grocery stores, especially in the southwestern United States where mesquite trees grow. Health food stores like Whole Foods and natural grocers may also carry it.

FAQs

What does mesquite powder taste like?

Mesquite powder has a unique flavor that is sweet and complex, often described as a combination of molasses, caramel, chocolate, and hazelnut. It lends a subtle sweetness and richness to foods without being overly sugary.

Can you use mesquite powder in place of flour?

Because it contains no gluten, mesquite powder cannot fully replace wheat flour in recipes that depend on gluten development for rising. Combine mesquite with at least 1/4 to 1/3 wheat or other gluten-containing flour for best results in baked goods.

Is mesquite powder gluten-free?

Yes, mesquite powder is 100% gluten-free, making it useful for anyone following a gluten-free diet. Be sure to check that any brand you buy is certified gluten-free.

Does mesquite powder have sugar?

Mesquite powder has a naturally sweet flavor but does not actually contain added sugars. The sweetness comes from fructose and other carbohydrates naturally present in the mesquite pod.

How do you use mesquite powder in recipes?

Mesquite powder can add flavor, nutrition, and sweetness to both sweet and savory recipes. Use it in place of up to 1/4 of the flour in baked goods, stir into oatmeal or smoothies, or sprinkle on meats before grilling.

Is mesquite powder good for you?

Yes, mesquite powder provides protein, fiber, lysine, antioxidants, minerals, and other nutrients. It assists with blood sugar control, weight management, digestion, bone strength, muscle building, and more.

What meals can I make with mesquite powder?

You can get creative and add mesquite powder to pancakes, muffins, breads, coffee drinks, yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, desserts, meat rubs, salad dressings, sauces, stews, and more.

Conclusion

Mesquite powder is a nourishing superfood that boasts an impressive nutritional profile paired with a uniquely sweet, molasses-like flavor. The gluten-free flour made from the ground pods of the mesquite tree provides ample protein, lysine, fiber, antioxidants, and important vitamins and minerals.

Adding mesquite powder to your diet provides benefits for blood sugar control, weight management, muscle building, bone strength, and digestion. The powder’s hearty taste and smooth texture also make it a delicious addition to baked goods, breakfast foods, beverages, and even savory dishes.