Mesquite bean coffee -- delish!

Belfrybat · #1 09/11/12, 01:20 PM

I'm sitting here sipping my first cup of mesquite bean coffee this year.

I almost missed harvesting any beans as they dropped early this year, probably due to the drought. Thankfully I beat the deer to the ones on my property, but only managed to snag about 5 lbs. I was not happy with myself about that. Washed and graded them Sunday, roasted them yesterday, and ground about half this morning.

This has got to be the best kept secret in the world. The coffee is rich with a subtle honey sweetness. Really wonderful. And low caffeine as I am sensitive to it.

For anyone with mesquite trees, the proper way is to pick them off the tree when the beans are fully formed. Rinse and let dry for a few days in the sun, roast at 375 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes. Then grind.

I've heard that some folks mix it with regular coffee, but I don't as I like the taste as is. Makes for a wonderful low caffeine hot drink.

GrannyG · #2 09/11/12, 06:29 PM

We have mesquites around here, but the beans are mostly used for jelly....did not know about the coffee from the beans...what about the beans that are dried on the ground ? Seems they could be used, as they are just naturally dried by the sun....Interesting...thanks for sharing..

Forestdude · #3 09/11/12, 07:40 PM

Interesting, I've never heard of such! I love smoking some meat with mesquite, but never heard of coffee or jelly with the beans. Now I got's to try this

TenBusyBees · #4 09/12/12, 06:19 AM

Did mostly jelly this year but we do enjoy mesquite bean TEA.... VERY refreshing!

For tea we collect the red pods or the ones tinged with red, washed them and and snapped them into 3 inces pieces, covered with several inces of water, brought to a boil and then simmered for about 20 or 30 minutes. Served over ice... no lemon or sugar needed. Very mild and pleasant taste that is lightly sweetened naturally.

Oh, GrannyG... it's been my experience once they hit the ground they're usually pretty bug-y.

Belfrybat · #5 09/12/12, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrannyG

We have mesquites around here, but the beans are mostly used for jelly....did not know about the coffee from the beans...what about the beans that are dried on the ground ? Seems they could be used, as they are just naturally dried by the sun....Interesting...thanks for sharing..

That's what I had to do this year as I missed right time to harvest due to them dropping earlier than usual. They have worm holes in them, but the roasting process kills them, and I figure it adds a bit of extra protein. So if you are not squeamish about bug, go for it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TenBusyBees

Did mostly jelly this year but we do enjoy mesquite bean TEA.... VERY refreshing!

For tea we collect the red pods or the ones tinged with red, washed them and and snapped them into 3 inces pieces, covered with several inces of water, brought to a boil and then simmered for about 20 or 30 minutes. Served over ice... no lemon or sugar needed. Very mild and pleasant taste that is lightly sweetened naturally.

Oh, GrannyG... it's been my experience once they hit the ground they're usually pretty bug-y.

I haven't tried it, but I understand another way to make tea is to roast them for a shorter time, grind and brew as for coffee but much weaker.