Other names: huajes, hauxya, guaje seeds
Guajes or huajes are the flat, green (or brown) pods of the Leucaena spp. The pods are sometimes light green or deep red in color -- both taste the same.
Guaje seeds are small and turn brown as they age. The seeds are eaten raw with guacamole, sometimes cooked and made into a sauce. They can also be made into fritters. The ground seeds are used to impart a slightly garlicy flavor to a mole (sauce) called guaxmole (huaxmole). The dried seeds may be toasted and salted and eaten as a snack referred to as "cacalas".
Purchase whole long pods fresh or dried at Mexican specialty markets.