How Is the Carob Fruit Used?

The carob tree probably comes from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It still grows there today and has great culinary importance and tradition. Its fruit is counted among the legumes. The ripe carob fruit consists of brown pods that are 10 to 30 centimeters long. The pulp in the pod is called carob. It is reddish or light brown and contains small, dark nuclei. The carob has a sweet aroma with a bitter note, reminiscent of liquorice.

In this country, the fruit is rather unknown and is therefore rarely offered. Products made from the carob fruit are only occasionally found on the market, including juice, liqueur, and a type of cocoa powder made from carob. Better known, however, is the locust bean gum, which is used for the production of many foods. The fruit has many other uses in its countries of origin.

• The pulp can easily be eaten raw. In the countries of origin of the carob tree, it is often eaten dried. For this purpose, the ripe pods simply remain on the tree until the actually soft pulp has dried. The fruits then have a particularly long shelf life. In addition to the flesh, the pod is also edible, but it can be somewhat tough or hard.
• The so-called carob powder is ground from the roasted pulp. It is used in a similar way to cocoa powder and is used as a base for drinks or for baking. Sweet spreads are also made from it. The taste of the powder is reminiscent of cocoa but is less bitter.
• Various liquid foods are also made from pressed pulp, such as juice, syrup, and a type of “honey”. Alcoholic beverages can also be obtained from the carob fruit by fermentation.
• The cores are also used. The locust bean gum is ground from them. It is widespread in this country and is used as a thickening agent in many foods, for example in sauces, soups, puddings, and gluten-free bread.

What is made from carob?

The superfood is usually processed into flour and can therefore be used as an ideal and healthy substitute for cocoa in snacks, cornflakes, or drinks. Carob is also used as a syrup, e.g. in many different baked goods.

What is carob healthy for?

Carob is very rich in vitamin B and vitamin D, and it also contains a lot of magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. In addition, a substance isolated from the core also lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Can you eat carob raw?

There are small black-brown seeds in the flesh that should not be eaten. The locust bean gum is made from seeds. The smell of the pods is extremely deceptive because it is musty and smells unpleasant. The pulp, on the other hand, tastes pleasantly sweet.

How does carob taste?

Carob has a slightly bitter, but very sweet taste reminiscent of liquorice.