Carob

What Is Carob?

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) is the long, straight or slightly curved, dark brown pod-shaped fruit of a Mediterranean-native tree of the legume family. It is also known colloquially as "harnup."

Inside the pod is a sweet, sticky pulp and hard seeds. Once ripe it is picked from the tree and dried in the sun; in its dried form it can be stored for a long time without spoiling.

Nutritional Values of Carob

100 grams of carob powder (carob flour) contains approximately 222 kcal of energy, 89 g of carbohydrate and a notable 39.8 g of fiber; it is also rich in calcium. Because its natural sugar content is high, it is used as a sweetener.

What Are the Benefits of Carob?

With its high fiber content, carob powder can be considered part of a balanced diet; being cocoa-free and caffeine-free, it is preferred by those seeking a chocolate alternative. Its calcium content can also contribute to the overall dietary pattern.

This information is general; carob is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Carob?

When buying fresh carob, the color and firmness of the pod are examined.

• Dark brown, glossy and firm pods have been well dried.
• There should be no mold smell or soft-damp areas.
• When buying carob molasses or powder, look for a label indicating pure, unadulterated carob.

How to Store Carob?

Dried carob pods can be stored for months, even years, without spoiling in a cool, dry place. Carob flour, once ground into powder, stays fresh for a long time in an airtight container, kept away from moisture.

Using Carob in the Kitchen

Carob is most often consumed in the form of molasses and powder (flour). Its molasses is used as a sweetener, and its powder is used as a cocoa alternative in cakes, cookies and beverages.

How to Make Carob Molasses?

Dried pods are broken up and boiled with water; the resulting dark-colored liquid is strained and simmered over low heat until it thickens. This molasses can be consumed on its own or served mixed with tahini.

How Is Carob Powder Used?

Carob flour can be used in cake and cookie recipes in similar proportions to replace cocoa powder; because of its natural sweetness, the amount of sugar can be reduced accordingly. It can also be mixed into milk-based beverages.

Which Recipes Use Carob?

Carob molasses, tahini-carob molasses, carob-flour cakes and cookies, and some traditional syrups are the main uses of carob.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are carob and harnup the same thing?

Yes, harnup is another name for carob; it refers to the same fruit.

Can carob powder be used instead of cocoa?

Yes, carob flour gives a similar color and texture to cocoa powder; however, its taste is sweeter and it is caffeine-free, so the amount of sugar in the recipe can be reduced.

Is carob eaten raw?

Ripe, dried carob pods can be chewed to consume the sweet pulp inside; however, the hard seeds should be removed rather than swallowed.

Where does carob grow?

It grows in regions with a Mediterranean climate; in Turkey it grows especially along the Mediterranean and Aegean coastal strip.

Can carob molasses be used instead of honey?

Yes, it can be used as a sweetener in similar proportions in place of honey or grape molasses; its taste has a darker, more caramel-like profile than honey.