Desert Seed Pods Used for Delicious Healthy Flour by Southwest Indigenous Peoples

The seed pods above are from a tree called a Mesquite tree that is very commonly seen in the deserts of the Southwest.  The pods were traditionally ground up by indigenous Americans to make a sweet flour that was high in protein, gluten free and low-glycemic.  I've purchased raw mesquite powder before and used it  in smoothies and ice creams and it has a deliciously sweet and and kind of smoky flavor.  One of my favorite raw restaurants, Bonobo's, uses mesquite and dates to make these out-of-this-world ball treats.
Mike Adams at Natural News touts it as a superfood that's high in protein micronutrients.  More on their website here.
More from the Tuscon Citizen about mesquite, it's healthful qualities and other ways the Pima Indians once used it here