Carob

Evergreen tree in the pea family, cultivated for its edible pods

Carob tree with pods

The carob (Ceratonia siliqua) is an evergreen tree in the family Fabaceae, native to the Mediterranean region. It is cultivated for its edible pods, which are used as a substitute for chocolate.

Description

Carob tree leaves

The carob tree is a flowering evergreen shrub or tree that can grow up to 15 meters in height. It has a broad crown and thick trunk. The leaves are pinnate, with 6 to 10 leaflets, and are glossy and dark green.

Cultivation

Carob trees are well-suited to the Mediterranean climate, thriving in hot, dry regions. They are drought-tolerant and can grow in poor soils. The trees are typically propagated by seed or grafting.

Uses

Botanical illustration of carob

The carob pods, also known as locust beans, are harvested and processed to produce carob powder, which is used as a cocoa substitute. Carob is naturally sweet and contains no caffeine.

Culinary

Carob powder is used in baking and confectionery. It is often used to make carob chips, which are a chocolate alternative in cookies and other baked goods.

Carob chocolate chip cookies

Confections

Carob is used to make various confections, including carob bars and candies. It is also used in beverages, such as carob liqueur.

Carob confections

Other Uses

Carob pods are also used as animal feed. The seeds are used to produce locust bean gum, a thickening agent in the food industry.

Cultural Significance

Carob has been cultivated for thousands of years and has historical significance in the Mediterranean region. It is sometimes referred to as "St. John's bread" due to the belief that John the Baptist subsisted on carob pods in the wilderness.

Gallery

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  Carob tree in its natural habitat

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  Carob pods on the tree

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  Maltese carob liqueur

Related pages

• Chocolate
• Fabaceae
• Mediterranean cuisine