4 pp. / Mesquite trees can be used as a food source. There are forty-four species of mesquite tree found throughout the world. The Sonoran desert region has three native species of mesquite: the honey, screwbean, and velvet mesquite. Mesquite pods have been used by indigenous groups in the area as a food source for many generations. The pods can be ground into flour or cooked whole in water to produce beverages. The article provides the best practice guide for making your own mesquite flour and introduces several original cooking recipes.