Carob is the name of the fruit of the carob tree. Even if the long, brown pod with its leather-like shell does not seem particularly appetizing at first glance, it was once considered a sweet in its countries of origin, Asia, the Arabian Islands and the countries of the Mediterranean. If you don't know the fruit of the carob tree yet, you can get a "foretaste" here.
What is the carob fruit used for?
The fruit of the carob tree, also known as carob, is a sweet legume that is used, among other things, in foods as a cocoa substitute and in medicine to lower blood lipid levels. It contains vitamins A and B, iron, protein, calcium and fiber.
Features
- Type: Legume
- Synonym: carube
- Shape: flattened pod, curved or straight, bulging edge
- Length: 10-30 cm
- Width: 1.5-3.5cm
- Thickness: 1 cm
- Color: violet-brown shiny
- Consistency: leathery
- Maturity: after one year
- often stays hanging on the tree for months
- contains 10 to 15 individual seeds
Harvest
The fruit of the carob tree is harvested in September. At this point the fruits are not yet fully ripe. However, early harvest is necessary because ripe fruits that fall to the ground absorb a lot of moisture. This leads to rapid rotting of the fruit flesh. Since the fruits actually only fall from the tree when they are ripe, workers hit their trunks with long sticks.
Usage
Initially the flesh of the carube is still very soft and tastes intensely sweet. But after a short time the dimensions harden and can be stored very well. Ultimately, the fruit appears in stores in both fresh and dried form.
In medicine
- To lower blood lipid levels
- As diet food
As food
Carob is processed into
- Juice
- Syrup
- Alcoholic drinks
- Kaftan honey
- Powder for dietary supplements
- Cocoa substitute (similar in taste, but caffeine-free and lower in fat)
Due to its sweetness, the fruit of the carob tree is a popular addition to muesli. It also replaces cocoa powder in a similar form when baking. Many people choose the powder, especially because of its low fat content. Recently, alternative chocolate spreads made from carob are even available. Carob also provides numerous vitamins and nutrients such as
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Iron
- Protein
- Calcium
- And fiber
