Chef at 10:45, 18 December 2012

2012-12-18T10:45:38Z

New page

{{#seo:
|title=Carob: Cooking Wiki
|titlemode=replace
|keywords=#carob #fruit #nutsgrainsandseeds #juice #sugarbeets #chocolate #sugarcane #seed #pea #otherthickeningagents #vegetables
|hashtagrev=12032020
|description=The Carob tree, Ceratonia siliqua, is a leguminous evergreen shrub or tree of the family Leguminosae (pea family) native to the
}}


[[Image:Carob beans.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Carob pods (top, unripe; bottom, ripe)]]
The '''Carob tree''', Ceratonia siliqua, is a leguminous evergreen shrub or tree of the family Leguminosae ([[pea]] family) native to the Mediterranean region. It is cultivated for its edible [[seed]] pods. Carobs are also known as St. John's bread. According to tradition of some Christians, St. John the Baptist subsisted on them in the wilderness.

A traditional food plant in Africa, this little-known [[fruit]] has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare.

===Traditional uses===
Carob was eaten in Ancient Egypt. It was also a common sweetener and was used in the hieroglyph for "sweet" (nedjem). Dried carob fruit is traditionally eaten on the Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat. Carob [[juice]] drinks are traditionally drunk during the Islamic month of Ramadan.

Carob pods were an important source of [[sugar]] before [[sugarcane]] and [[sugar beets]] became widely available.
===Current uses===
Carob powder and carob chips are used as an ingredient in cakes and cookies. Carob is sometimes used as a substitute for [[chocolate]], however the flavour is significantly different. The seeds, also known as '''locust beans''', are used as animal feed. They are also the source of locust bean gum, a [[thickening agent]] used in numerous processed foods. In Egypt, carobs are consumed as a snack. Crushed pods are used to make a refreshing drink. Compotes and liqueurs are made from carob in Portugal, Spain and Sicily. Carob has proven effective in relieving diarrhea in infants.

Carob has also been used as a non-toxic alternative to chocolate in dog treats. The theobromine in chocolate is toxic to most dogs.
==See also==
* [[Other thickening agents]]

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[[Category:Ingredients]]
[[Category:Nuts grains and seeds]]
[[Category:Fruit]]
[[Category:Vegetables]]

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Carob - Revision history

Chef at 10:45, 18 December 2012