Encuentro de Mezquite 2006
The public is invited to attend a free series of events in June and August celebrating the flavors of mezquite bean flour. Mezquite is a tree native to south Texas that grows abundantly in the Laredo area. Mezquite bean pods can be ground into a flour that is naturally sweet and earthy with aromatic notes of cloves, cinnamon, and chocolate. The flour can be used to make delicious baked goods, as a smoothie supplement, or to enhance the flavor of other recipes.
Foraging events in June will be held at Laredo parks, and will give attendees lessons and hands-on experience on how to pick the best mezquite pods. A separate mezquite exchange and tasting will be held after each foraging event, where participants will be able to taste foods prepared with mezquite and take home some of their own harina de mezquite.
June 6:
8am to 10am: Foraging hike and guided harvest at Chacon Bat Park Nature Trail
11am to 1pm: Mezquite Exchange & Workshop at Canseco House
June 20
8am to 10am: Foraging hike and guided harvest at the Riverbend Nature Preserve
11am to 1pm: Mezquite Exchange & Workshop Outlets Farmers Market
August 7
7pm: Mequite Worshop with Luna Vela at Casa Ortiz
August 8
9am to 1pm Mercado | Keynote Address by Maite Gomez-Rejón | Panel at the Border Heritage Museum
1pm to 3pm Lunch | Talk with Lucille Contreras at the Laredo Center for the Arts
August 9
9am to 2pm: Barbacoa Unveiling & Closing Brunch at La Pita Mangana Ranch
Texas Indigenous Food Project