robertbluesman

…found growing along the RR tracks during my morning walk. Love how they seem so similar to orchids. Locust beans are used in many foods, toiletries and cosmetics. The “beans” mature in long pods shaped like giant string beans and rest until the proper seasonal conditions cause the pods to burst forth with the fruit. I’ve had them in recipes before, not advisable as a steady dietary addition, but mostly I love the empty pods. They can be soaked in warm water and woven into placemats, hats, baskets, bracelets, etc.