Carob
October 25th, 2007 | by Ingrid
Ceratonia siliqua
Carob tree cultivation dates back to historic times. It is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean and is part of the legume family. This trees produces an edible seeded fruit pod that the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans are said to have eaten raw for their natural sweetness. Honey Locust, John the Baptist, Locust Bean and St. John’s Bread are alternative names of carob.
Processing
The Kibbling Process
Carob pods go through a grinding process followed by screening to separate the pods and the seeds, or an air separator is used, which also separates the pods and the seeds. Heating is generally involved in the process of temperatures of at least 200 degress Fahrenheit.
The Hammer Grinder
Raw Carob powder is processed by a unique grinding process using a high-speed “hammer grinder. Temperatures do not reach over 100 degrees thus rendering the end product raw.
Nutritional Profile
Carob has one-third the calories of chocolate and is caffeine free, dairy free, gluten free and virtually fat-free. It is also free from, phenylethylamine [can trigger migraines], fromamine [can trigger migraines and allergic reactions] and oxalic acid, which interfere with absorption of calcium and zinc. It contains more vitamins, minerals and natural sugar than chocolate.
Barium | Calcium | Chromium | Copper | Fiber | Iron | Magnesium | Manganese | Nickle | Phosphorus | Potassium | Pectin | Protein | Vitamin A | Vitamin B1 | Vitamin B2 | Vitamin B3 | Vitamin D
How To Use Carob
It can be used in any recipe the same way chocolate is used.
Suggested uses:
Add to nut milks
Use in cookie recipes
Make a sauce
Combine with cocoa for a unique taste
Substitute carob powder for unsweetened cocoa powder and carob chips for chocolate chips, about 1 ½ to 2 parts carob for one part chocolate or cocoa chips or powder.
Recipes prepared with carob required less sugar due its natural sweetness.
Purchasing
Carob powder is available in natural and health food store and health sections of supermarkets, as well as online.
Some Online Sources for Organic Raw Carob:
Alissa Cohen’s Raw Food Store
Natural Zing
RawGuru
Shazzie’s Detox Your World
Sunfood
Storing
Powder and chips should be stored in a cool day place, up to a year. The powder may form lumps over time. To remove lumps sift before using.
Recipes
Try this recipe:Carob Pudding
Learn more about Ceratonia siliqua “Carob” - visitWikipedia