Uses for Locust Tree Seed Pods

Fresh Use

• The seeds in the locust tree pods are covered in a sweet-flavored pulp that is often sucked right from the pods. The entire young tender pods may be eaten fresh off the tree or boiled and consumed like string beans. Once mature, this pulp tends to become bitter tasting. The Cherokee Indians pounded the ripe pods and then soaked the entire pods in water. This water was then used like a sweet drink.

Animal Feed

• Locust tree pods are a rich source of protein and sugar and have been used as animal fodder in all regions where the trees are found, including South Africa. The pods are not only eaten by cattle and goats but also by other wildlife including deer, opossum, squirrel, quail and rabbits. Farmers intentionally let their cattle loose into swamps containing the trees at the time when the pods are ripe.

Fermentation

• Fermenting the pods also results in an energy alcohol. The fermentation of the honeylocust seeds produces fuel alcohol that may be used as a possible alternative for gasoline, cites Delena Tull in "Edible and Useful Plants of Texas and the Southwest." However, this requires an abundant quantity of pods.

Coffee Substitute

• Among the many uses that the Native Indians had for honeylocust, one was as a substitute for coffee. The beans of the pods were removed, roasted and ground for the purpose. The Native Indians also used the powder made from entire dried, ground seeds including the pulp as a thickening agent and sweetener.