What Is Carob Powder?

Carob powder is made from the pod of the carob bean. The beans grow on the carob tree, which is part of the legume family and can live up to 100 years. The carob tree does not bear fruit for the first 15 years but bears prolifically after that.

History

Carob seeds and pods have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, with the seeds used as an adhesive to bind mummies. In biblical stories, John the Baptist supposedly survived on carob, which is also known as the locust bean.

Processing

In processing, the seeds are separated from the pods, then dry roasted and ground to a fine powder.

Uses

Baked goods and candy are made from carob. Powder forms are used to darken foods or as a replacement for coffee; carob chips are used in place of standard chocolate chips. Carob pods are also used to feed cattle.

Considerations

Though carob is used in similar ways as chocolate, the two have certain distinctions. Carob has no caffeine or theobromine. It contains more calcium and is naturally sweet so it has less sugar.

Effects

Carob contains tannins, which have an astringent effect on the intestinal tract lining, so it can be useful in treating diarrhea in adults and children.

References

• www.living-foods.com
• www.mothernature.com