Harvest time for the “Tree of Life”

Sierra Vista Herald ^ | Chris Fisk

[SandRat]

Some people love them, some people could live without them. There are differing views on their benefit, but almost everyone is fond of the taste. From the honey and the smoke of the wood, to the highly nutritional flour made from the ground pods, they are a signature flavor here in the desert.

The early start to monsoon this year affected the first mesquite harvest, with many finding unacceptable mold, which renders them inedible. However, the second harvest is looking better, and is in progress in parts of the county, although some altitudes have already peaked.

“I heard rumor about a third season one year, but that is unconfirmed,” said Executive Director of Baja Arizona Sustainable Agriculture, Kevin Taylor, with a chuckle.

The mission of the nonprofit BASA is to facilitate local, sustainable food production and educating people in that process. Taylor and BASA devote a good deal of attention to the mesquite as part of their mission. They host harvesting workshops and the annual milling events at the Sierra Vista and Bisbee Farmers markets.

“Mesquite trees put nutrients back, like all legumes. They are a nitrogen fixer,” said Taylor.

[Louis Foxwell]

Looks like and grows much the same as the African plains Acacia.