Mesquite Beans

As evidenced by these photos, the bean pods of the Mesquite trees are starting to mature. Soon the pods will turn a pale tan color and fall from the trees. These pods and beans have been used for centuries by Native Americans in the American Southwest.

The flour made from grinding the pods and beans together has been shown to reduce diabetes significantly when coupled with a no-fat diet. Research Associate Becca loves the pods and beans and often eats them raw. The amount of fiber she ingests with this native diet is enough to constipate an elephant, but somehow it doesn't seem to affect her.