Mesquite - Desert Bread

Is it cheating to use a breadmaker???

It is impressive to think how native peoples existed in the desert for centuries. Using what plants they had, this nutritious bread can be made in your home. But we like to use modern conveniences.



The mesquite tree grows in the desert regions throughout the world, areas not suitable for most agriculture. Mesquite forms fruit of bean-like pods in the fall that have long been a nutritious food source to humans, wildlife and livestock. Mesquite meal, made by grinding the ripened pods into a high protein flour, can be used as either a flour or a spice. Mesquite meal is 100% natural, low in carbohydrates and fat, high in dietary fiber, and naturally sweet.

Desert Mesquite Bread

Put into automatic bread maker according to manufacturer’s directions
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup warm water
1 package yeast
1/3 cup combined honey and Sorghum
1 cup whole wheat flour
2/3 cup quick oatmeal
1/2 cup mesquite flour
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/4 + 2 tablespoon all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:
Mix and bake according to manufacturer’s directions. The honey/sorghum could be replaced with mesquite molasses.

from Plants of the Sonoran Desert and Their Many Uses by Don Wells and Jean Groen.