Locust bean

Locust Bean (also known as the Carob Tree or Ceratonia siliqua) is a species of flowering evergreen shrub or tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is cultivated for its edible pods and as an ornamental tree in gardens. The ripe, dried, and sometimes toasted pod is often ground into carob powder, which is used to replace cocoa powder in chocolate and other confectionery.

Description

The Locust Bean tree can grow up to 15 meters tall. The leaves are evergreen, pinnate, with 2-5 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small, gathered in racemes, and are unisexual. The fruit is a pod, cylindrical, straight or slightly curved, thick, leathery, brown or reddish-brown when ripe.

Cultivation and Uses

The Locust Bean tree is drought-resistant and can survive in poor soils. It is often used in landscaping, especially in areas with a Mediterranean climate. The tree's pods, also known as locust beans, are used as animal feed, and the seeds are used to produce locust bean gum, a thickening agent used in food processing.

The seeds of the Locust Bean are also used to make a sweetener known as carob. Carob is often used as a cocoa substitute in the food industry, especially in the production of chocolate substitutes.

Health Benefits

The Locust Bean is rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins A, B, and D. It is also high in dietary fiber and protein. The carob powder made from the beans is often used as a health food alternative to chocolate, as it is lower in fat and does not contain caffeine.

See Also

• Carob
• Locust Bean Gum
• Mediterranean Diet