I live in Arizona, a hot and arid land, not generally thought of as a farmer’s paradise, and especially not a place that would produce any highly nutritious, medicinal food that could feed the world. But it can.

Like other arid landscapes around the world, Arizona is rich in mesquite. Yes, you’ve heard of mesquite barbecue and mesquite honey, and this is the tree from which those products come. Mesquite’s rock-hard seed pods were stone ground by native Sonoran people and eaten as a staple for centuries before anyone showed up with wheat, rice or grocery stores.

Because of its sweet, caramel-like flavor and high nutritional value, I’ve been using mesquite powder in my smoothies and desserts for a while now. Mesquite’s sweetness comes from fructose, which makes it ideal for diabetics, and people who want to avoid gluten can bake with mesquite flour.

Benefits of Mesquite:
High in protein.
Good quantities of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc.
Rich in the amino acid lysine.
An ideal sweetener for diabetics (it is fructose based).
Can be used as a gluten-free flour for baking.

Not to mention, this humble tree grows like a weed, thrives in poor soil and needs very little water.

So why aren’t there more mesquite orchards in our dry southwestern states? Simply because there hasn’t been a demand. Most mesquite powder comes from South America, but I was thrilled to find locally grown mesquite at my town’s farmer’s market. The Arizona Mesquite Company might be the only commercial mesquite orchard in the country.

So give this incredible desert food a try and better yet, buy it American.

Image: kretyen

The post Mesquite Beyond the Barbecue appeared first on EcoSalon.

I don’t have the nerve to hire an organizer to sort my attic. It’s far too daunting for any professional. It requires a crazy person and a very strong pot of coffee. Luggage clutters the walking path and nothing is boxed as it should be or plainly labeled according to Thanksgiving holiday decor or ski paraphernalia. I strive to follow the example of Confessions of a Shopaholic and purge it all. Is there a high-end thrift shop that wants my treasured junk?

I have learned of one in Phoenix Called My Sister’s Attic, which consigns high quality furniture in an atmosphere that defies the Salvation Army feel, opting for more of the chic Palm Springs collective appeal.

“We dedicated ourselves to turning the ‘three D’s’ – dark, dirty and dingy – into the ‘three C’s’ – cute, clean and current,” explains owner Ann Siner, who also runs several other secondhand shops in Scottsdale: My Sister’s Closet (you’ll find St. John, Louis Vuitton and Coach); Well Suited (for trading used menswear) and Small Change (kids clothes and items).

The attic peddles brands like Pottery Barn, Kreiss, Thomasville and Robb & Stucky, as well as Mid-Century classics like vintage Eames chairs and iron patio sets. The business receives almost 300 pieces of high-end furniture and accessories every day.

You can browse the inventory online and even consign your furniture for 55% of the selling price to you in store credit or 45% of the selling price in cash. Go to the site to send inquiries and photos.

The post Out of the Attic appeared first on EcoSalon.