Mayo weavers use mesquite gun to make a brown color for dying wool. The call it jiubuania.
Honey that comes primarily from mesquite flowers (Prosopis glandulosa) is prized for its flavor. The seed pods are an important source of animal fodder, and are used to make a variety of foods. Mesquite performs an important ecological role throughout Mexico. It is nitrogen-fixing, which helps build the soil in arid regions. It attracts plant species which enjoy the richer soil, and supports various species of birds and animals.
Widespread in the Alamos region, mesquite is an important source of firewood. Locally-produced mesquite charcoal is sold to taco venders because of the fine flavor it imparts to the meat. Rumor suggests that local charcoal is exported to the US for use in restaurants. Lumber use of mesquite is a key economic activity in many Mexican towns. Unfortunately, wood use for lumber, furniture, firewood and charcoal is causing deforestation. In academia there is a trend towards sustainable uses: honey, food, fodder, and medicinal uses.
Another possibility for sustainable use involves mesquite gum, which is very similar to gum arabic. Gum arabic is a completely edible plant product. It is the binder in watercolor paint, and an important ingredient in syrups, chewing gum, marshmallows, and candys. Read the ingredients of any processed food, and you'll find gum arabic. It is also used in pharmaceuticals, fireworks, and cosmetics. The lickable adhesive on postage stamps and envelopes is gum arabic.
It has been found that the chemical characteristics, emulsifying properties and molecular structure of gum made from Prosopis glandulosa would make it a suitable alternative to gum arabic. World demand for gum arabic is about 45,000 tons per year. In 2003, Mexico imported 7,000 tons for a total expenditure of nearly 4 million dollars. Availability and price of gum arabic on the world market varies greatly because frequent scarcity due to political instability in Africa, especially in the Sudan. It makes good economic sense for Mexico to pursue a domestic alternative.
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as this article xplains mesquite is a significant animal fodder. i adopted a bureau of land management wild burro and she relishes the opportunity to supplement her hay diet with some "pechitas". also, my hispanic father in law made two hatchet handles from the limb of a mesquite tree. this was done in about 1976. they are still in service after all these years! nitrogen, meat grilling, mesquite is a treasure!
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