Carob powder – Carob flour
Ceratonia siliqua L.
Ceratonia siliqua, commonly known as carob, is a flowering evergreen tree or shrub in the pea family. Its pods have been used as food for 5,000 years. Carob is also used as an ornamental tree in gardens and landscapes.
Carob grows in the Mediterranean region, including southern Europe, northern Africa, the larger Mediterranean islands, the Levant and the Middle East of western Asia in Iran and the Canary Islands and Macaronesia in the Atlantic Ocean.
The term "carob" refers to the fruits of the tree, which are flat, bean-like pods that contain numerous small seeds.
Nutritional content
Carob flour contains 229 calories per 103g serving. This serving contains 0.7g fat, 4.8g protein and 92g carbohydrates, 51g sugar and 41g dietary fiber, the rest being complex carbohydrate. Carob flour contains 0.1 g of saturated fat and 0 mg of cholesterol per serving.
103 g of carob flour contains 1.03 mcg vitamin A, 0.2 mg vitamin C, 0.00 mcg vitamin D, as well as 3.03 mg iron, 358.44 mg calcium, 852 mg potassium.
8% protein and contains vitamins A, B, B2, B3 and D. Carbohydrates: sucrose (32-38%), glucose (5-6%), fructose (5-7%) and maltose. Amino acids: alanine, glycine, leucine, praline and valine; tyrosine, phenylalanine; high in calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium and contains iron, manganese, barium, copper and nickel; high amount of tannins.
Does not contain gluten and/or caffeine.
Ah, this delicious Carob or how to use it
Also called Locust Pods and Sweet Pods, carob is used as a healthy and delicious alternative to chocolate.
It is also a fantastic substitute for chocolate for those who are allergic to the theobromine in cocoa. You can substitute carob powder for cocoa powder in any recipe.
Unlike cocoa, carob is caffeine free, has more minerals, less fat and requires no added sugar as it is very sweet on its own.
Because carob is naturally sweet, the powder can be used as a sweetener in baked goods, candies, and desserts. And the fruits sprinkled with carob are just as tasty and sweet.
You can also use carob powder to make a delicious drink that replaces hot chocolate.
Because its pods are about ⅓ to ½ sugar, carob is also used for compote, liqueur, and syrup.
Next, the thickener used in the food industry is the most important economic use of carob seeds. Locust bean gum is used as a thickener and stabilizer or as a gluten substitute in low-calorie products.
How to use Carob powder
Make carob pancakes, brownies, cookies, cakes and candies.
Use carob in all recipes that call for cocoa powder. However, you should probably use less sweetener or none at all since carob is naturally sweet.
Add carob powder to smoothies, porridges or dessert creams.
Make a hot carob drink instead of hot chocolate – just mix plant-based milk and carob powder together.
Prepare a delicious carob and avocado pudding / cream or coconut cream and carob pudding.
Make carob bars (carob chocolate) and carob chips.
Recipe for Vegan cream with carob flour and avocado
2 tbsp. carob flour
1 piece. avocado
4 pcs. dates
1 packet of vanilla
Everything is blended until a smooth, homogeneous mixture is obtained. Divide into pretty bowls. If desired, you can decorate with mint leaves, raspberries or strawberries.
Warning
No side effects have been reported from the use of carob. However, carob is a type of fiber. Fiber can change the amount of medicine the body absorbs. Taking carob along with medication you take by mouth may change the effectiveness of the medication. To prevent this interaction, take carob 30-60 minutes after medications you take by mouth.
Storage
To preserve the taste and medicinal qualities of the powder, it is better to pour it into a foil bag and place it in a dark cardboard box. The place should be dry and cool. Term - no more than 1.5 years from the date of production.
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