Carob: a seed that replaces chocolate

Healthier than cocoa and caffeine-free, carob can replace chocolate in many recipes

carob

Edited and resized image by Kaffee Meister is available on Unsplash

Carob is a naturally sweet fruit that grows on the carob tree , a tree with a scientific name Siliqua keratony. Cultivated since ancient times in the coastal region of the Mediterranean, the carob tree bears fruit with the appearance of a dark brown pod, loaded with seeds. Carob is a healthy substitute for chocolate. Its medicinal use dates back 4,000 years to ancient Greece.

According to the "Encyclopedia of Healing Foods", 19th century British chemists sold carob pods to singers to keep their vocal cords healthy.

carob

Edited and resized image of Malubeng, is in the public domain and available on Pixabay

Carob can be found in the form of fruit, powder, syrup, gum and pill.

Carob pods can be eaten fresh or dried. Adding carob to the diet can provide benefits such as weight loss and reduced stomach upset.

Where does carob come from?

The ancient Greeks were the first to grow carob trees, which are now grown all over the world, from India to Australia. It takes a male and a female tree to produce carob pods. A single male tree can pollinate up to 20 female trees. After six or seven years, a carob tree is capable of producing pods.

carob

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Once a carob tree is fertilized, it produces hundreds of pounds of dark brown pods filled with brown pulp and tiny seeds. Carobs can then be harvested in autumn.

How is carob used?

You can even enjoy sweets like bonbons, chocolate smoothies, mousses and cakes. The most common use of carob is in food. It has a chocolate-like flavor and is a great alternative because it has:

  • a lot of fiber
  • Antioxidants
  • Low amounts of fat and sugar
  • 0% caffeine
  • 0% gluten (if there is no contamination during processing)

Since carob is naturally sweet, it can help satisfy the craving for white sugar. If you find it not sweet enough for your taste, try adding stevia.

  • Six natural sweetener options without synthetic sweetener

When cooking, you can substitute locust bean for chocolate in a ratio of 1 to 1. You can also substitute locust bean chips for chocolate chips.

Whether you're lactose intolerant, strict vegetarian, or vegan, carob is also a great dairy-free alternative.

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locust bean gum

Carob is present in many skin care products and medicines. It is usually labeled as C. silica, which is the scientific name for locust bean gum. The gum makes up 35% of the locust bean seed.

Locust bean gum is mainly used in cosmetics and as a food thickener.

Is carob healthy?

Due to their similar taste, people often compare carob with chocolate. However, it is healthier than chocolate.

carob

  • It has twice the amount of calcium compared to cocoa
  • It is free of a migraine triggering compound.
  • It is caffeine and fat free.

Cocoa

  • Contains oxalic acid, which interferes with calcium absorption
  • May cause migraines in some people
  • It's high in sodium and fat

Carob is also an excellent source of vitamins B2, B3, B6; and a source of minerals copper, calcium, manganese, potassium, magnesium, selenium and zinc.

Locust Bean Powder Nutrition Facts

Two tablespoons of unsweetened carob contain about 70 calories, with:

  • 3.5 grams (g) of fat
  • 7 g of sugar
  • 50 g of sodium
  • 8 g of carbohydrates
  • 2g fiber
  • 2 g of protein
  • 8% of the recommended daily calcium intake

Other uses

Landscapers can use carob trees to take care of the land. The trees are resistant to drought, rocky and arid soil and salt. The bright green leaves are quite flame resistant, making carob trees a great fire barrier. Carob pods are also food for cows.



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