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Plant Information

Common Name: TREE - CAROB TREE
Scientific Name: Ceratonia siliqua
Alternative Names: Johannesbroodboom

Package FormatN/A
PriceR130.00

Description

  • Perennial
  • The Carob tree is native to the Mediterranean.
  • It is a medium-sized evergreen tree with a rounded crown and dark green leathery leaves.
  • Inconspicuous male and female flowers are borne on separate trees.
  • It bears flattened, tough, oblong pods with hard seeds embedded in a soft, sugary pulp.
  • The pods are supposedly the 'locusts' that sustained John the Baptist in the desert.
  • It is hardy, prefers a dry climate and needs full sun.

Culinary Uses

  • The seeded pods can be processed and boiled into thick molasses.
  • Carob pods is almost fat-free and can be ground into flour and used as a cocoa substitute for chocolate flavoring.
  • The flour can be enjoyed with hot or cold milk.
  • The flour has more vitamins and minerals, less fat and fewer calories (180 kcal per 100g) than chocolate made from cocoa powder.
  • Pods are eaten as sweetmeat.

Parts Used

  • The ripe pods and seeds.

Medicinal Uses. It is said that

  • Carob pods contain iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamins A, B2, B3, and D.
  • It is non-allergenic – great if you are allergic to chocolate.
  • Carob contain just 1/3rd of the calories of chocolate.
  • The seed residue yields a starch-free, sugar-free and high protein flour for use be diabetics.

For Animals. It is said that

  • Carob is a good source of fodder for livestock.

Other Uses

  • Carob is used in cosmetic facemasks.
  • It can be used as firewood.
The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded through history. Always seek advice from a medical practitioner.

Mountain Herb Estate, and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants or documentation provided. By use of this site and the information contained herein you agree to hold harmless Mountain Herb Estate, its affiliates and staff

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