Which carob is better fried or not. carob fruit - carob

Hello my dear readers!

She has her own little cafe and is constantly inventing healthy recipes and sharing them with her visitors.

It was at her place that I first tried a drink made from carob - carob powder and fell in love with it.

Let's take a closer look at the benefits of carob and how it can be used in cooking.

From this article you will learn:

Carob - useful properties and methods of application

Carob tree, or Ceratonia pods, or Tsaregrad pods (lat. Ceratonia silqua), or carob (eng. carob) is a plant of the legume family ( Fabaceae)

Description and benefits of carob

Carob is an ingredient in so many recipes for healthy home cooking, and is also widely used in industry and cooking.

How is carob obtained?

Carob is a natural, nutritious substitute.

It is obtained from the pods of the carob tree (Ceratonia leguminous), a flowering evergreen Mediterranean shrub.

Inside, each pod contains a sweet, edible pulp.

They are specially dried and roasted (for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit), and then ground into a powder called carob flour or "carob powder".

Composition of carob powder

In terms of its external properties, carob powder is similar to cocoa powder, but it contains more natural sugar, fiber, much less fat (by 17%), minerals (main Calcium, Potassium and Phosphorus).

And most importantly, unlike cocoa fruits, it does not contain caffeine and theobromine.

These substances can cause a number of negative phenomena in our body: increase the heart rate, cause insomnia and sleep disorders, bedwetting, fatigue, obesity, dizziness, irritability, psychomotor agitation, anxiety, acne and much more.

Therefore, carob, which is very similar to cocoa in its taste and appearance, is a worthy alternative to it.

Important!!!

Carob contains as much vitamin B1 as asparagus or strawberries.

It has more niacin than Roman beans, lentils, or peas; more vitamin A than eggplant, asparagus and beets.

It also contains vitamin B2, magnesium, the minerals iron, manganese, chromium, copper and nickel, about 8 percent protein, and is a good source of fiber.

What does carob taste like?

Carob tastes great and smells like chocolate, but it doesn't pose any health risk at all.

In addition, carob is naturally sweet and requires no added sugar, making it suitable for diabetic patients.

What are the benefits of carob?

So, the benefits of carob:

1. Carob tannins contain gallic acid, which works as an analgesic, antiallergic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, and antiseptic.
2. Carob improves digestion and lowers blood cholesterol levels.
3. It is used to treat diarrhea in children and adults.
4. Since it does not contain caffeine, it can be consumed by people with high blood pressure.
5. Regular use of carob helps in preventing lung cancer.
6. The use of carob is a good prevention of osteoporosis, due to the high content of phosphorus and calcium.
7. Carob removes toxins and normalizes metabolism.

How to use carob in medicine?

In alternative medicine, there are healing recipes with carob powder.

• Recipe #1

It is used for diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and indigestion in adults, children and animals. Dissolve one tablespoon of the box in a cup of liquid and drink.

• Recipe #2

French doctors successfully practice the treatment of kidney failure with carob powder. Approximately 2 teaspoons of carob powder should be dissolved in 1 cup of unsweetened cranberry juice and taken four or five times a day.

How to use carob in cooking?

Carob is most commonly used as a stabilizer and thickener in baked goods, ice cream, jelly, cheese, sauces, canned meats, and other food products.

Carob powder is also used as a substitute for cocoa powder or chocolate in cakes, cookies, and candies.

Video about carob

Be sure to watch this interesting video about the beneficial properties of carob, I recommend it!!!

• Carob is a great cocoa substitute. Just dissolve 1 tsp of powder in hot water and a delicious and healthy drink is ready.
• Carob can be used in place of cocoa powder in baking. Add a tablespoon of carob powder to your dough to give it a nice, rich dark color.
• When replacing cocoa powder, use the same amount of carob powder. But remember that the amount of sugar in the recipe will need to be reduced due to the natural sweetness of the carob.
• Add a scoop of carob powder to homemade or frozen yogurt.
• Carob can be sprinkled on fresh berries and fruits instead of sugar. This is delicious!
• You can make chocolate with carob. Just dissolve 1 tsp in one mug of hot milk and a delicious and fragrant drink is ready!
• Carob is very tasty to mix with butter or coconut oil, honey, spices (cinnamon nutmeg, ginger, cardamom). It turns out such a dessert pasta for breakfast.
• Carob powder can be used to make frostings, truffle-type candies, and sprinkles on baked goods.

Video-Recipe for cake with carobm, look, it's very tasty!

In fact, you can cook a wide variety of desserts and pastries from carob.

Where to buy carob powder?

Fortunately, today natural carob powder can be found in ordinary stores.

I buy it in a normal supermarket in the health food section. Here is the manufacturer.

A lot of carob powder from various manufacturers is offered by online stores.

For example, here you can buy real organic carob powder.

Try and share your impressions and experience!!!

Buda is glad if this article is useful for you and you share it with your friends on social networks.

Send me your recipes for delicious desserts using carob.

Alena Yasneva was with you, See you again!

Carob - what is it? This product is used in diet food as a substitute for cocoa and chocolate. It is a carob fruit, from which raw materials are produced in the form of a powder, reminiscent of cocoa in taste and appearance. The finished product does not contain flavors and various chemicals, which are often added to cocoa powder.

home of the carob tree is Mediterranean and is currently cultivated in many countries around the world. The benefits of carob have been known since ancient times, it has been used in European medicine and cooking since the 5th millennium BC. In ancient Greece, the fruits of the tree, having the same size and weight, were used as a measure of weight and were called "carats". Now the concept of carat is used for a unit of measurement of mass in the jewelry industry.

Plant quite unpretentious in content and can do without watering for a very long time, which does not affect fruiting at all. The carob tree does not infect such a disease as a tree sponge, so it is not subjected to chemical treatment. The highest quality product produced in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Australia and Cyprus.

Usually , carob may be in several forms.

Carob is often bought and stored unprocessed as a pod. The advantage of this method of storage is the long-term preservation of the useful properties of the product. If necessary, the pods are cleaned and ground in a coffee grinder before cooking. The powder is brewed like coffee.

Powdered carob may be raw, not toasted. In terms of taste, it has the greatest sweetness and does not at all resemble chocolate. Lightly roasted powder has a light caramel flavor with a slight sourness. Medium roast carob is more like dark chocolate, with a bitter taste and a darker hue. This product in the form of a powder is widely used in cooking for adding to baking.

Like natural carob sweetener produced in the form of syrup. It contains a large amount of sugar, while maintaining all its positive qualities.

The highest cost is found in raw carob, since the likelihood of counterfeiting is minimal here and therefore it is most useful. The cheapest product This is a medium roasted powder. With the growing popularity of carob, cases of fake goods are not uncommon. According to consumer reviews, it is best to buy a quality product in specialized health or sports nutrition stores.

Harm of carob: contraindications for use

Since carob is an analogue of coffee, it is consumed as a drink, mixed with milk, added to cocktails and liquors.

Fruits apply in the manufacture of confectionery, sweets, for which they are mixed with nuts, seeds, dried fruits. Used for various dishes and desserts in the form of an additive from carob powder (photo of dishes below).

Confectionery products made on the basis of carob are able to retain their useful and gustatory qualities for a long time. Since, compared with cocoa, carob fruits have a lower (10 times) content of fats, which oxidize over time, which is why the product has a rancid taste. In case of violation of storage conditions, properties of carob products practically do not change.

The gum (resin) contained in the fruit is used in the manufacture of a stabilizer and thickener. Due to this, the finished products have viscosity, density, and acquire shine.

This product is not a drug or panacea. However, if you need the perfect substitute for coffee or chocolate, carob is a great option. Consumer reviews favor healthy eating.

Useful and harmful properties of carob

The benefits and harms of carob are an interesting question for lovers of unusual exotic products. To answer correctly, you should understand the features and characteristics of the flour and fruits of the plant.

What is carob and where does it grow

The carob tree or carob is an evergreen fruit plant native to the Mediterranean. Currently, the plant is artificially cultivated in Italy, Spain, Portugal and several other countries.

The main value in the carob tree are fruits that are actively used in cooking and home medicine. After flowering, carob produces long, narrow, curved pods filled with seeds and juicy pulp. These pods look like horns, hence the name of the plant. The flowering time of the carob tree is amazing - it can bear fruit for up to 90 years in a row, and the plant's yield increases every year.

The chemical composition of carob

The fruits of the plant are valued not only for their pleasant taste, but also for their properties. Carob contains:

• vitamins B1 and B6;
• vitamin E;
• natural acid PP;
• calcium and phosphorus;
• iron and sodium;
• magnesium and zinc;
• manganese and selenium;
• tannins, ash and fiber.

The listed components provide the plant with medical and gastronomic benefits. Carob can even be used for healing, and not just for enjoying the sweet taste.

Nutritional value and calorie content of carob

Basically, the composition of useful fruits is represented by carbohydrates, their content is approximately 50 g. Also in carob there are 4.6 g of proteins and quite a bit of fat - about 0.7 g. The average calorie content of dry carob is about 220 kcal per 100 g of product.

What is useful carob

Even in moderation, carob brings invaluable benefits to the body. Valuable properties are manifested in a variety of areas.

For adult men and women

The general benefit of carob for the body is that the product:

• improves blood quality and saves from anemia and anemia due to high iron content;
• helps strengthen blood vessels and protects the heart from ailments;
• serves as a good natural diuretic, therefore eliminates swelling and benefits the kidneys;
• helps to restore proper metabolism, copes with diarrhea and flatulence, relieves nausea;
• helps eliminate fever and sore throat with colds and sore throats;
• strengthens eyesight - carob contains a lot of vitamin B2, which is important for the prevention and treatment of cataracts;
• beneficial effect on potency - when using carob, male libido increases;
• relieves inflammation and pain in prostatitis and adenoma;
• protects the body from viruses and bacterial infections.

Also, carob is a good preventive measure against rickets, which is especially useful for teenagers and young people.

For the elderly

The strengthening and hematopoietic properties of the carob tree are very beneficial for the elderly. Eating carob is useful for pressure surges, headaches and joint ailments. The plant has a beneficial effect on memory and brain activity, allows you to maintain clarity of mind for longer.

When losing weight

On a diet, carob is especially beneficial - it contains glucose, which dampens appetite and creates a feeling of satiety. In addition, chocolate is prepared on the basis of the carob tree and coffee is brewed. They also dampen the feeling of hunger and allow you not to experience stress due to the lack of familiar tasty foods.

When using carob, getting rid of extra pounds is faster. At the same time, losing weight women do not have the feeling that for the sake of their cherished goal they have to give up all their favorite products.

Is carob good for kids

The properties of the carob tree are quite safe for babies - carob can be safely added to baby puree. The product will be of great benefit if the child is allergic to ordinary chocolate. It will be possible to prepare a delicacy from a carob tree, and there will be no harm from this.

Attention! Because carob remains fairly new to the general market and its properties are not fully understood, a pediatrician should be consulted before introducing carob into a child's diet.

Is it possible to carob during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Manufacturers claim that in small quantities, carob cannot harm pregnant women or nursing mothers. However, it is better to additionally consult with your doctor regarding the advisability of using the product.

During lactation, it is also necessary to carefully look at the food reaction of the child. At the first sign of an allergy, carob should be removed from the diet.

carob for diabetes

The composition of useful carob does not contain sugar, only vegetable glucose and sucrose. Therefore, it is possible to use carob derivatives with a low glycemic index in diabetes. Carob is especially popular as a substitute for chocolate and cocoa - it tastes even nicer, but does not bring harm to health. When using it, there is no addiction.

In addition, in diabetes, carob allows you to control weight and regulate blood cholesterol levels.

Carob flour in folk medicine

The carob tree is mainly used in cooking and for making drinks. However, there are also healing recipes based on the product. In particular, two carob-based products are popular.

• For diarrhea, stir 20 g of carob in a glass of milk or warm water and add a pinch of starch. The mixture is drunk a couple of times a day, the remedy soothes the mucous membranes and has a beneficial effect on peristalsis, so that diarrhea quickly stops.
• With SARS, homemade medicine is prepared in almost the same way - 20 g of carob is diluted in a glass of water. But you need to take the remedy up to 6 times a day, then the effect will come quickly.

Carob in home cosmetology

The beneficial properties of carob are also manifested in the field of beauty. Carob is used as part of masks with a scrub effect - such mixtures simultaneously cleanse and moisturize the skin.

Carob flour is often mixed with honey, lemon juice, fermented milk products and other ingredients. The benefits of cosmetic products will differ depending on the specific composition of the masks. However, in any case, carob nourishes the skin with valuable minerals and vitamins B and E.

Other uses for carob

The fruits of the carob tree have a healing effect on the body. Therefore, not only simple healing cocktails are prepared from beans and flour, but also other means to improve well-being and improve tone.

Carob tea

Crushed carob pods are suitable for making delicious and healthy herbal tea. Brewing carob is very easy - you need to pour a tablespoon of ground beans with a glass of hot water and wait a quarter of an hour.

Infused tea is drunk at will twice a day. The properties of the product are of great benefit in case of nervous strain, and also relieve the symptoms of a cold.

If desired, carob flour can be added to regular tea, it will give the drink an original taste.

carob syrup

A healthy carob-based product is a sweet syrup made from finely chopped carob beans by steaming. The tool can serve as a delicious dessert, but more often it is used for medicinal purposes. In particular, the syrup helps with diarrhea and nervous disorders, with diseases of the respiratory system and with insomnia. Due to the high calcium content, the syrup effectively protects bones from osteoporosis.

carob oil

From fresh carob fruits, an oil with an increased concentration of vitamins and minerals in the composition is industrially obtained. The oil is used to treat intestinal and gastric diseases, to calm the nerves and regulate sleep. The properties of the product increase hemoglobin in the blood, so taking the oil protects against the development of anemia.

However, due to the strong concentration of active elements in the composition of the oil, not everyone can use the product. Oil is prohibited for allergy sufferers and young children under 2 years of age - the product may harm them.

Locust bean gum

Gum is a resin extracted from the seeds of the plant - the product looks like a white powder and is used in cooking as a food additive. Semi-liquid mixtures, when gum is added, acquire a gel-like consistency.

Carob gum is added to ice cream and semi-finished meat products as a stabilizer, the substance can be found in cheeses, soups, sauces and mayonnaises. Carob resin improves the texture of products, acts as a binder and thickener.

The use of carob in cooking

Unusual carob fruits and the flour obtained from them are often used in cooking, mainly in the confectionery industry and baking. In particular, carob is used:

• as an additive for ice cream and yogurt - carob flour is used instead of cocoa to improve the taste and texture of products;
• as a sweet powder for fruit and berry desserts - here carob replaces powdered sugar;
• in the manufacture of confectionery products from dough - like cocoa, carob flour gives the dough a brown color and a sweet taste, while the structure of muffins, cakes and pies remains unchanged, and the beneficial properties increase;
• when creating dessert pastes - carob is mixed with honey and spices, butter and coconut oil;
• in the manufacture of sweets - carob is mixed with nuts, sesame seeds, berries and other ingredients, resulting in a very tasty delicacy that does not harm health.

Carob-based sweet drinks are popular. They are prepared in much the same way as chocolate cocktails, only instead of ordinary chocolate and cocoa, hot water or milk is poured with carob powder.

Recipes with carob

Treats with carob in the composition do not have to be purchased at the store. If desired, many of them can be prepared at home, they will turn out to be no less tasty, and the properties will be completely natural.

carob drink

The simplest recipe is a thick, sweet and aromatic drink made from quality carob. How to make carob drink? There is nothing complicated about this - the recipe is about the same as that of cocoa.

1. Milk in a volume of 2 glasses is heated and poured into 1.5 or 2 large spoons of dark carob.
2. The drink is properly stirred, if necessary, cooled for several minutes to a temperature suitable for consumption.
3. If the consistency is too thick, dilute the sweet drink with plain water and mix thoroughly again.

Advice! A drink based on locust bean flour is very sweet on its own.

But you can still add a teaspoon of flower or linden honey to it - the benefits of the product will only increase, but there will be no harm.

carob chocolate recipe

If you have chopped carob beans at home, you can make healthy natural chocolate from them, in many cases it will be more valuable for the body than store-bought sweets. In addition to carob, you only need to take a little and. Make a delicacy as follows:

• 100 g butter is melted in a saucepan over low heat until it becomes completely liquid;
• carob is poured into the oil and stirred until it is completely dissolved in the oil, leaving no lumps;
• add a teaspoon of honey and a little coconut flakes to the workpiece, mix it well again;
• the resulting mass is poured into a pre-prepared form of any shape, if desired, sprinkled on top with finely chopped nuts or pieces of dried fruit;
• the naturally cooled workpiece is removed into the freezer and kept in it for at least an hour until the mixture hardens completely.

Healthy homemade chocolate can be eaten in small pieces, after slightly keeping it at room temperature, otherwise the product will be too hard. At the same time, it is impossible to store carob chocolate outside the refrigerator - it will thaw, and it will become inconvenient to eat it.

Chocolate cupcake with box

A simple and delicious recipe is the preparation of a soft and fragrant cake with the addition of carob flour. The advantage of the recipe can be considered that the ingredients for it are very inexpensive, present in every kitchen.

Cooking process:

• 200 g of natural butter is melted in an enameled container and 4 large spoons of carob powder and sugar in the volume of one and a half glasses are poured there;
• the ingredients are poured with half a glass of milk, brought to a boil, quickly removed from the stove and set to cool;
• in a glass of kefir, quench half a teaspoon of soda, add to the warm glaze mixture;
• pour 2 cups of flour into a container and knead the dough thoroughly, leaving no lumps in it;
• the workpiece is laid out in special forms for baking and removed for 50 minutes in an oven preheated to 200 ° C.

If desired, raw dough can be flavored with cinnamon, pieces of nuts or raisins, this will make ready-made chocolate muffins even tastier.

Harm of carob and contraindications

The health benefits and harms of carob remain an unresolved issue.

1. On the one hand, researchers recognize products based on the fruits of an exotic plant as safe. So, European, American and Arab scientists did not reveal any harm in the properties of carob - beans and powder are allowed for use by adults and children.
2. Often, carob is even prescribed to young children as a remedy - it stops diarrhea and helps fight children's regurgitation.
3. The recommended daily dosage of the product for adults is about 20 g. For children, exact norms have not yet been established, but usually nutritionists and doctors advise measuring half of the “adult” volumes of the product.

However, to date, the benefits and harms of carob drinks and meals are still under study and clinical research. For example, the benefits of the product in diabetes mellitus have not yet been proven 100% - it has only been established that it does not harm diabetics. There is no exact information about the action of carob in combination with medicines and other medicinal plants.

Attention! Especially carefully you need to monitor the reaction to the product of young children.

During pregnancy and lactation, the advisability of using carob powder should be discussed with your doctor.

How to choose carob

In ordinary stores, carob powder is not sold, you will have to go to an institution specializing in healthy food for it. The product can be found in three varieties - unroasted, medium roast or light roast. When choosing, it is recommended to pay attention to the following important points:

• country of production- natural carob is supplied from the USA, the Mediterranean and Australia;
• brand credibility- it is better to buy an exotic product from trusted manufacturers, even if it costs a little more.

Before buying, you should evaluate the color, aroma and taste of an unusual carob powder.

1. The product, which has not been roasted, has a slight nutty smell and a beige tint.
2. Medium roast powder exudes a chocolate smell, tastes bitter, and looks like ground coffee.
3. Light roasted powder has a caramel flavor with a slight sourness, and its color is usually light brown.

For most culinary and medicinal uses, carob is medium roasted. It retains enough useful properties, but it is inexpensive.

How to store carob at home

In order for the carob tree to retain its beneficial properties for a longer time, after purchase, it is recommended to pour the flour into a foil bag and put it in a cardboard box. Keep the product in a dry and cool place, out of direct sunlight. The valuable properties of the carob tree are stored for 1.5 years, after which you will need to purchase a new portion.

Pods with carob beans, not subjected to processing, are suitable for consumption for 1.5-2 years. It is recommended to store them in a tightly closed glass or tin jar in the dark, in conditions of low humidity.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of carob depend on the naturalness of the exotic product. Real carob will become a valuable ingredient for baking and home remedies. But it is important to observe moderation in use, since any product is dangerous in too large quantities.

I had the opportunity to get acquainted with fried carob some time ago (review), but until recently I didn’t have to try unfried carob, so I decided to correct the omission and order a small package on the site Royal Forest .

100 g unroasted carob will cost only 100 rubles if you take a larger package - 200 g- it will be more profitable: 140 rubles.

The packaging looks like this: cardboard box, inside - hermetically sealed foil bag.

When I poured the powder into a jar, the volume turned out to be about 250 ml.

The information on the package is as follows:

Composition, useful properties and method of use

Manufacturer

Description

Why do you need carob powder?

Cocoa is usually used to make a drink or for baking. The latter is clearly not for me: I always monitor my weight, so I rarely bake anything to avoid temptations, so I use carob mainly for making drinks.

First, I would like to compare roasted and unroasted carob. This is what it looks like if we just compare the dry powder:

The smell is also different: unroasted carob has a more fruity note, roasted closer to cocoa.

As for the drink brewed from this powder on water, I can only state that this is clearly not my option (it was the same with fried carob).

Most of all I like to cook carob with milk.

I adapted to cook carob in a ladle, and so that lumps do not form, I whisk the drink during the cooking process with a whisk, besides, it also turns out pretty foam

For a 150 ml cup, I take about one and a half teaspoons of powder.

Here I brewed two servings of the drink: from roasted and unroasted carob, as you can see, the color is different.

The powder in the process of cooling sinks to the bottom of the cup.

If you compare them in taste, then unroasted carob is sweeter, you can not add sugar at all. Its taste, as it seemed to me, is softer than that of fried, and with a slight fruity note. Roasted carob is more like cocoa.

I liked the unroasted carob, perhaps more than the fried one, although it looks less like cocoa, but if you have a choice, it’s best to sample both types of carob powder in order to decide for yourself which is tastier.

Since I drink quite a lot of coffee, I occasionally get the urge to cut down on caffeine. Here, carob powder came in handy for me: I mix it with coffee in a 1: 2 ratio. The drink turns out quite tasty, besides, you can not add sugar to it at all. The foam is quite decent, by the way

The Royal Forest website offers many different recipes for carob dishes, here you can see - there is a huge scope for creativity. My imagination was limited to only two options for using carob, in addition to drinks: I added to ice cream:

And even figured out delicious and healthy sweets.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a kitchen scale, so I took the ingredients by eye: melted cocoa butter, honey, Ceylon cinnamon, carob powder. I put crushed cocoa beans in the mold first.

The cookies turned out extremely delicious! With carob, I seemed to be greedy, so for some sweets the base turned out to be white (cocoa butter), but it’s even more interesting

I will continue to order carob powder in the future for drinks - they turn out to be tasty and nutritious (they saturate well), besides, they help me a lot to relieve discomfort with errors in the diet.

Carob powder is very good if you love cocoa, but for some reason you can't use it. Children can also safely be given such a healthy drink: carob does not cause allergies, besides, carob fruits are not treated with pesticides (I wrote about this).

And, of course, getting to know a new useful product is always a pleasure, so it’s very I recommend trying carob powder and adding variety to your diet

Other unusual products from the Royal Forest website:

Carob is a plant-based product that is gaining popularity as a substitute for cocoa and chocolate. It can be used in home cooking to prepare a wide variety of dishes. In addition, carob fruits have extensive beneficial properties for women, men and children.

Carob: what is this product

Carob is the fruit of the carob tree, which grows freely in the Mediterranean countries, also known as Tsaregradsky horns, Ceratonia leguminous and Carob. The last option is borrowed from English and is now more often used to refer to the fruits for which the tree is cultivated. That is, carob is the crumb of a carob tree, sold either whole or in powder form.

Carob is the fruit of the carob tree.

Name

In the modern world, the fruits and the product of their processing are common under the English name carob. And the botanical name of the plant - Ceratonia - has Greek roots: εράτιον means "horn". The specific epithet is taken from the Latin language: siliqua means "bean".

Among the peoples of the Mediterranean (especially those whose history is strongly associated with Christianity), the name "John's Breadfruit" is found. It was obtained due to the fact that carob pods have a slight yeasty smell.

The carob tree was highly valued in the Mediterranean as far back as Biblical times, when it was used in the region as a measure of weight. By the way, it is from εράτιον that the word “carat” comes from, which is used as a measure of weight in jewelry.

Botanical description

Ceratonia leguminous is an evergreen tree with a spreading crown of dense feathery leaves that can reach 12 meters in height. The main area is located at the level of 400-1600 meters above sea level. The carob tree grows slowly, but for a very long time - a specimen aged 2-3 centuries is not uncommon. The trunk is formed strong, dense, the bark has a brown and dark gray color.

Carob - Carob

During the flowering period, it is covered with small flowers collected in a brush with a nondescript quickly falling cup. The first flowering occurs at the age of 5-7 years, and fruiting - at 8-10 years of age. For the next 80-100 years, each season one tree produces up to 200 kg of fruit.

The fruits of the tree are beans elongated to a length of up to 25 cm with a thickness of 0.5-1 cm and a width of about 3 cm. What does a bean look like? Like a fleshy brown bean pod curled to one side. Inside the beans are bones and juicy pulp with a high content of carbohydrates - sugar takes up about 50% of the composition. But in its raw form, everything is interrupted by the astringent components of the composition. The pods become sweeter as they dry in the sun.

From the dried pulp of the fruit, carob is produced - a powder that has similar taste and aromatic qualities as cocoa, but does not contain caffeine.

Seeds of ceratonia leguminous are distinguished by a high content of polygalactomannan. This polysaccharide gives them a constant mass. Thanks to this feature, seeds in ancient times came into use as a carat.

Scope of fruits

In the countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea, the fruits of the carob tree have been widely used since ancient times:

• in the Egyptian culture of everyday life, carob, as a substitute for cocoa, appeared in antiquity, from where it spread to other countries;
• in Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Malta and Sicily, the sweetness of carob fruits has found application in the preparation of compotes and liqueurs;
• among different Mediterranean peoples, ceratonia beans are used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, weakness and malaise, colds, coughs;
• in Cyprus, carob seeds are fed to pets;
• in modern industry, seeds serve as raw materials for the manufacture of food thickeners.

Carob benefits and harm to the body

Carob benefits and harm to the body

The chemical composition of carob

Carob - what is it? Flour obtained by grinding the pulp of dried carob pods. This is a dry product, most of which is occupied by carbohydrates. The proportions of the main nutrients in its composition look something like this:

• proteins - 4.6 g;
• carbohydrates - 49.1 g;
• fats - 0.7 g;
• dietary fiber - 39.8 g;
• water - 3.6 g;
• ash substances - 2, 27 g.

The dry calorie content of Ecrob is about 220 kcal.

The vitamin and mineral base of the product is distinguished by the presence of vitamins B1-B6, E, PP, as well as impurities of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, manganese and selenium. In addition, the composition contains a large amount of tannins, which determine the tart taste of fresh fruits. When dried, some of these components evaporate, and sugar is most felt.

An important feature of the carob fruit is the absence of gluten. This allows you to fearlessly eat beans and carob for people with celiac disease.

How carob is made

Before making carob flour, the ripest are selected, the seeds are removed and only the soft middle part is left, because the tails are usually bitter. The beans are dried in the sun, but suspended in the air.

How is carob obtained?

The answer to the question of which carob - fried or unroasted - is better to buy depends on what it will be used for:

• The pulp can immediately grind into a sweet beige powder with a slight nutty flavor. Such a product has a rather large fraction and is used in the food industry as a sweetener.
• For the production of fine flour, the raw materials are first fried for 10-12 minutes, heated to +205ºC. Such carob has a darker color, small particles and a bitter taste. It is from it that a drink is prepared that replaces cocoa for people who avoid caffeine.

Carob of both types is used in the confectionery industry. It is added to sweets, pasta, flour products. Hard dark bars similar to traditional cocoa bean chocolate are called carbolate. In Western countries, Carob cream has gained great popularity.

What is useful carob

Many people now pay attention to carob not because of what it contains, but because of what it does not contain:

• The product has a low fat content. This greatly extends the life of the carob. Among those fatty acids that are still in the composition, oleic and linolenic prevail. They are not produced by the human body.
• The composition does not contain theobromine and caffeine, so the product does not have a neurostimulating effect. It also eliminates the development of addiction, as is the case with coffee or chocolate.
• The composition does not contain oxalic acid, which prevents the absorption of potassium and zinc, as well as provoking urolithiasis and kidney stones.
• For people suffering from migraines, carob is good for the absence of phenylethylamine, a neurotransmitter that provokes pain attacks.

Obviously, carob drink and sweet products are more useful for people suffering from nervous disorders, pregnant women, allergy sufferers and supporters of a healthy diet than natural cocoa chocolate.

Carob derivatives and their uses

Useful properties of carob

For more than a decade, food stabilizers - pectin and gum - have been made from the fruits of ceratonia pods. As part of various foodstuffs and semi-finished products, they can be found under the infamous “shocks”: E440 and E410. Both of these components are safe for health, and even have an antioxidant, coagulating, adsorbing and bactericidal effect.

carob syrup

In countries where carob grows, carob syrup is made. It is a thick dark brown liquid with a high sugar content. For its preparation, the beans, peeled from seeds, are finely chopped, thrown into water and evaporated for a long time. The syrup can be used for food purposes, but is prepared for other purposes. It is used to treat various health problems:

• diarrhea
• sleep disorders;
• respiratory diseases;
• nervous disorders;
• diarrhea
• allergic shortness of breath.

Experts explain the beneficial properties of the syrup with a high content of tannins. It helps prevent osteoporosis as it contains three times the amount of calcium compared to cow's milk.

Medicinal use of syrup:

• daily intake of a glass of warm water with a spoonful of syrup on an empty stomach helps to speed up the removal of harmful substances from the body;
• for the treatment of cough, flu and respiratory infections, it is recommended to drink hot water (1 glass) several times a day with a spoonful of syrup dissolved inside;
• to relieve diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders, it is recommended to take a spoonful of syrup three times a day before meals.

More about carob syrup>>

Tea

Butter

Carob oil is very rarely found on sale in Russia. But in the Mediterranean countries it is used for medical purposes. This product is known as an effective immune booster and a means to improve the cardiovascular system.

Medicinal properties of carob for health

Useful properties of carob

The therapeutic and prophylactic and immunomodulatory qualities of the pods of ceratonia and carob are due to their rich chemical composition. So, a large amount of dietary fiber has a positive effect on digestion:

• a dense mass, like a brush, passes through the intestines and removes ballast from it;
• swelling dietary fibers gently massage the cavities of the organs, increasing blood circulation;
• due to indigestible fiber, the feeling of satiety is prolonged.

The high content of polyphenolic compounds gives reason to consider carob as a strong antioxidant. This means that it is included in the complex of products that inhibit cancerous tumors and prevent their appearance. It is believed that regular consumption of carob-containing foods and drinks reduces the risk of lung, cervix, larynx, mouth, stomach and other cancers.

A small proportion of fats and a lot of fiber help in the prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiac ailments - the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood decreases and the heart experiences less stress.

The pods contain substances that have a sedative effect. They act as natural antidepressants, relieve irritability, fears, anxiety and reduce the risk of panic attacks. It is noteworthy that addiction is never observed.

Carob: how to make a drink

The most delicious carob (like a drink) is obtained by brewing the powder with milk. It can be either animal or plant origin. What's more, the aromatic almond milk base will even make the aroma and taste richer. In general, the preparation procedure is similar to regular cocoa. You need to heat two glasses of milk and dissolve 1.5 tablespoons of the powder in them. To reduce fat content, you can dilute milk with an equal amount of water.

Hot carob drink

Although carob itself is very sweet, adding a spoonful of linden or flower honey will make the drink even tastier. It is recommended to immediately mix carob with milk, pouring the powder with stirring to avoid the formation of lumps.

Carob: recipes and uses in cooking

1. Carob powder is similar to cocoa used in baking and confectionery. And it also gives the dough a rich brown color. The proportions of the product are preserved.
2. Cocoa substitute complements and enriches cold yogurt and ice cream when sprinkled on top or added to a recipe.
3. Fruits and berries sprinkled with carob instead of sugar are just as delicious and sweet.
4. Carob milk, similar to milk chocolate, is made with a mug of hot liquid and a spoonful of dark powder.
5. Carob can be added to recipes for dessert pastes based on coconut, butter, honey and spices.
6. Carob powder mixed with oil and additional ingredients (berries, sesame seeds, nuts, etc.) makes delicious sweets, which, by the way, are cooked very quickly.

Chocolate carob pudding

Products:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds;
• a glass of almond or other milk of plant origin;
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract;
• 3 bananas;
• 2 tbsp carob;
• a pinch of salt.

To prepare, you need to combine all the components and mix well, and then remove for at least 60 minutes in the refrigerator. After this time, a simple, tasty snack with a healthy composition will be ready to eat.

Candies

1. Mix 10 g butter with 1 tbsp. sugar, 1 tbsp. milk and 3 tbsp. powder. Heat the mixture until the glaze forms.
2. Dip dates, prunes or any other pitted dried fruits into the base, put on a plate and send to the freezer to cool.
3. The remaining icing can be frozen - you get a delicious bar that looks like chocolate.

Chocolate without cocoa with shavings

For cooking, you need to take an equal amount of carob powder, coconut flakes and coconut (butter is also suitable) oil. This is a basic recipe, but it can be supplemented to your own taste with dried fruits, honey or nuts.

Cooking order:

1. Melt butter until liquid, remove from heat.
2. Dissolve the powder in the oil without lumps.
3. Add coconut flakes and a little honey to the mixture, mix well.
4. Pour the mass into the mold.
5. Sprinkle with dried fruits or nuts.
6. Put the mold in the freezer for at least 1 hour.

pancakes

Products:

• milk - 200 ml;
• flour - 1.5 tbsp;
• chicken egg - 1 pc.;
• carob powder - 2-3 tablespoons;
• sunflower oil - 1 tbsp;
• sugar, salt.

Cooking order:

1. Send all the ingredients to a common bowl, beat with a whisk until a traditional pancake dough without lumps is formed.
2. Heat the pan well and bake pancakes.

Harm and Precautions

Carob is a product widely used in Europe and Arab countries, safe for men, women and children. The latter is even prescribed for the treatment of diarrhea and too frequent spitting up of food. Studies of the powder by scientists have confirmed its toxic and carcinogenic safety. There are no direct contraindications for use during lactation and gestation, but it is still strongly recommended to consult a supervising physician and try the product with caution.

The US Food and Drug Administration recognizes carob powder as safe for humans and animals. For adults, the recommended daily dose is limited to 20 grams. There are no exact instructions for children, so you need to focus on half of this volume.

Storage

The pods retain their useful properties when stored in a tin or glass jar with a tight lid that prevents air from entering inside. The storage location must be cool and dry. Under such conditions, they remain in the best shape for 18-24 months.

To preserve the taste and medicinal qualities of the powder, it is better to pour it into a foil bag and transfer it to a dark cardboard box. The place is dry and cool. Term - no more than 1.5 years from the date of production.

Where to buy powder?

Powder of ceratonia fruits today can be found in almost any major city in Russia. To do this, however, you need to contact specialized stores that sell products for adherents of a healthy diet and an organic diet. Both for brewing and for confectionery experiments, medium roast powder is suitable. It is inexpensive and costs no more than 400 rubles per 0.5 kilograms. For reasons of economy, it would be better to buy medium roast carob online for direct delivery from the manufacturer. This guarantees the quality of the product, its natural origin and affordable price.

Medium roasted carob powder can be purchased here

Powder from Frontier Natural Products is a natural non-irradiated product suitable for kosher, vegan, vegetarian and halal diets.

Unlike cocoa, it has more minerals, less fat and does not require added sugar, as it is very sweet on its own.

Criteria for a quality product

• Country of origin: Australia, USA, Mediterranean countries.
• Good reviews about the manufacturers and the product itself.
• Powder from unroasted raw materials should have a light nutty flavor, a light beige tint.
• The product from lightly roasted carob fruits is dark in color. In its taste, caramel and sour notes are faintly felt.
• The medium roast powder is similar to ground coffee, has a chocolate aroma and bitter taste.

Carob powder is used to make delicious chocolate and milkshakes. If you watch your food and want to eat food without chemicals and preservatives with dyes, prepare drinks with healthy carob.

Kerob is a carob fruit used to make sweet powder and fruit syrup.

Cooking features

Raw or fried…

• Raw carob is great for making milkshakes and fruit smoothies. Will be to the liking of the sweethearts.
• Slightly fried - has a darker shade and a high sugar content (40%), has a slight sourness and a light caramel taste.
• Fans of "chocolate" drinks are better off taking fried carob with a bitter aftertaste characteristic of dark chocolate.

How to brew

It will be useful for hostesses to know that:

• To improve the quality of the final product, before cooking, it is desirable to sift the powder, similarly to flour, to remove lumps.
• The powder dissolves quickly in a glass of hot water or milk at a temperature of 90 degrees.
• By itself, carob tastes sweet, so it does not need the addition of sugar or honey.
• The drink can be supplemented with milk, carob does not affect the absorption of milk fats.
• Also, if desired, add a little vanilla or cinnamon.
• Carob powder and syrup pair perfectly with cottage cheese, coconut and fruit.

I have compiled a selection of healthy and delicious drinks that can be prepared from carob. These recipes are quite suitable for diets aimed at weight loss.

carob cocoa

Cocoa with milk is the most popular and everyone's favorite drink. Alternative cocoa from carob is no less tasty and healthy.

Carob powder has a number of advantages over cocoa powder, namely:

• does not contain psychotropic and toxic substances (caffeine, phenylethylamine, oxalic acid);
• has a natural sweetness due to the presence of fructose and sucrose;
• contains three times more calcium and ten times less fat than the competitor.

It is worth emphasizing that carob packaged in packs does not contain any chemical impurities, which manufacturers of cocoa powder, chocolate and other confectionery products often sin.

To prepare fragrant and very tasty cocoa from carob, you will need:

A glass of milk with a low percentage of fat (1.6% is fine) - 250m
A glass of ordinary drinking water - 200 ml
Carob powder not fried or fried (to taste) - 1.5 tbsp. spoons
Natural honey or sugar - 1 tablespoon

Cooking method

1. In a small saucepan or saucepan, combine milk, water and immediately add carob. This will avoid lumps from the powder and improve the taste of the drink.
2. Put the mixture on medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring thoroughly with a spoon.
3. When the mixture begins to boil, add sugar or add honey to taste.
4. Then carefully remove the dishes from the stove, as the finished drink may suddenly “escape” from the pan.
5. To the table, alternative cocoa is served hot or slightly cooled.

carob coffee

Carob can also fully replace coffee. Coffee from carob powder is the best fit for avid coffee lovers who are switching to a healthy lifestyle.

Just like cocoa powder, the caffeine- and theobromine-free carob is superior to coffee in terms of health benefits.

Unlike coffee, this drink, of course, will not invigorate, but it will fill the body with energy and vitamins.

But such a dizzying aroma, like from a cup of high-quality natural coffee, unfortunately, cannot be achieved from it.

Recipe

Carob coffee also needs to be brewed in a narrow vessel or Turk. An electric Turk will do.

1. Pour 200 ml of boiled water into the Turk and put it on the stove.
2. Then add 3-4 teaspoons of carob, and stir well, bring to a boil.
3. The boiling process is accompanied by foam rising to the top of the Turks. You need to carefully control the foam: as soon as it reaches a maximum, quickly remove the bowl from the stove.
4. The foam has fallen - the Turk is returning to the fire. Such manipulations need to be carried out one or two more times.
5. The cooking process will take about 5 minutes.
6. Ready coffee can be flavored with cinnamon, milk or carob syrup.

Is it possible to drink coffee at night with a diet

carob with milk

This is not about cow's milk, but about exotic types of milk, on the basis of which, using carob, delicious unusual drinks are obtained.

Main ingredients for 1 drink

1. A glass of coconut milk - 250 ml
2. Carob powder, not roasted or roasted (to taste) - 2 heaping teaspoons
3. Chicory Powder - 1 heaping teaspoon
4. Spices (vanilla, cardamom) - literally on the tip of a knife
5. Sugar or natural honey (to taste)

Cooking method

1. Pour coconut milk into a Turk or any other deep vessel and put on fire.
2. Immediately add carob, chicory and spices to it.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, but do not bring to a boil.
4. Next, remove the drink from the stove and let it cool.
5. It remains to pour carob into cups, sweeten it with sugar or honey and enjoy the delicious taste of the drink in a pleasant company.

Milk during the diet should be drunk in moderation. How much is this?

Carob powder tea

Cooking method

1. We take a porcelain or clay tea pot, pour boiling water over it.
2. Then add a few tablespoons of carob powder there and pour the product from a boiling kettle.
3. Mix everything quickly with a spoon, tightly close the teapot with a lid and leave for 15 minutes.
4. After a quarter of an hour, boldly pour tea into cups and enjoy its aroma and delicious taste.

This recipe can be modified by adding carob to black or green tea. This will make the tea ceremony brighter and healthier, and will certainly please all guests.

How to make tea with turmeric or cinnamon (12 recipes)

Smoothie with carob and dates
(based on banana)

Incredibly, all the vitamin potential of vegetables and fruits can be concentrated in a glass of smoothie.

Smoothies are an extremely healthy liquid that moisturizes and nourishes the human body with the help of vitamins and minerals, and also creates a reliable barrier against infection.

Smoothies with carob are even tastier and healthier, and also help to eliminate problems with the intestines.

Key Ingredients Per Serving

1. Chilled glass of milk - 200 ml
2. Large fleshy dates - 3 pieces
3. Large ripe banana - 1 piece
4. Carob powder, roasted or not roasted (to taste) - 0.5 tablespoon
5. Cinnamon - 0.5 teaspoon
6. Vanilla to taste

Cooking method

1. My fruit.
2. Remove the peel from the banana and cut it into pieces.
3. We free the dates from the pits.
4. Place all ingredients in a blender and mix at medium speed until smooth.
5. Pour the finished smoothie into glasses and treat guests with pleasure.

What drinks help to lose weight Cold or hot?

Cocktail with banana and carob

Carob drinks based on hot milk are very pleasant and resemble cocoa.

But the taste of cold milkshakes with the addition of carob takes on a new shade, becomes much brighter and richer.

At the same time, all the above beneficial properties of the carob powder are preserved. So why deny yourself the pleasure and not taste this wonderful drink?

Key ingredients for two servings

Chilled milk - 400 ml
Large ripe banana - 2 pieces
Carob powder, roasted or not roasted (to taste) - 1 dessert spoon
Vanilla sugar - 1 dessert spoon
Natural honey - 1 dessert spoon

Cooking method

1. My bananas, remove the peel and cut them into slices.
2. Pour milk into the blender bowl, send bananas, carob, vanilla sugar and honey there.
3. Mix everything until you get a fluffy homogeneous mass.
4. Pour the drink into glasses, decorate with a straw and enjoy its pleasant taste.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that in no case should you treat carob as a panacea. Everything is good in moderation. But at the same time, the regular use of this exotic product in food can significantly improve the health and well-being of people who are not indifferent to chocolate and coffee.

Carob is a ready-made powder that is extracted from the beans of the Ceratonia leguminous tree (also called Carob). In the modern world, raw materials are just beginning to gain popularity, powder is considered an excellent alternative to more harmful chocolate and cocoa. Carob in confectionery completely replaces sugar. The product also has a number of positive qualities. Let's consider everything in order.

carob growth

In terms of taste, carob is similar to cocoa. The aftertaste largely depends on the method and degree of roasting. Outwardly, the fruits have a not very bright pink color. In terms of usefulness, carob is superior to natural cocoa powder.

In Australia, carob has taken root very well because of its unique qualities. The tree easily lives in arid conditions for a long time. At the same time, the quality of the fruit does not change. Currently, the following countries remain the leaders in the cultivation of ceratonia: Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, Portugal and Australia.

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Benefits of carob

1. Since ancient times, carob has become famous as a means that prolongs youth. The raw material is rich in antioxidants. Substances entering the body begin to interact with free radicals. The harmful cells are destroyed by a complex chemical process. Thus, the skin particles are not adversely affected.
2. The product is also famous for the fact that it does not contain caffeine. This substance is found in cocoa. Carob drink can be drunk by hypertensive patients without harm to health. In addition, the product has no contraindications for children and women who are carrying a fetus. Carob is non-addictive due to the unique substance salsolinol. This enzyme is found in chocolate.
3. Also in cocoa beans there is theobromine, the substance is responsible for the psycho-emotional background of a person. There are no such enzymes in carob, so the use of the product will not affect you in any way. You won't suddenly lose your temper. On the contrary, a drink based on such raw materials will help calm the psyche and cope with various thoughts.
4. The main difference between carob and cocoa can be considered that in the first case, the raw material has 10-11 times less fat than in the second. The sweetness of carob comes from fructose and sucrose. From here, experts attributed carob to the category of dietary products. Some components contain fats, they are replaced with gum, which is available in carob raw materials. Hence, products with carob extract can be stored longer than formulations with the addition of cocoa.
5. Another undoubted advantage of ceratonia is that the abundance of useful enzymes is completely absorbed by the human body. The same cannot be said for cocoa. The benefits of carob are visible to the naked eye. A small amount of fiber also predominates in raw materials. Enzyme enough to fully establish digestive processes. Antioxidants in combination with dietary fiber well cleanse the body of slagging and toxins.
6. Historical information says that in ancient times, local healers used carob as an effective antiseptic. The composition in a short time helped a person to improve his condition in case of poisoning and diarrhea. The powder was very popular with parents who gave raw materials to children. Useful qualities of carob can be listed for a very long time. A drink based on the product thoroughly cleanses the blood of cholesterol. Regular intake prevents cardiovascular diseases.
7. Cocoa lovers should reconsider their tastes. Carob is sweeter than bean powder. If you make a drink based on carob, you do not need to add additional sugar. Carob contains natural ingredients that practically do not harm the body. The only condition remains that the raw materials are recommended to be consumed with extreme caution by diabetics. Consult with a specialist in advance. Roasted carob has a small amount of saccharides.
8. Carob is actively used in dietetics. Regular consumption of the drink noticeably dulls hunger. Raw materials block the production of the hormone grenaline, which is responsible for appetite. Anyone who is trying to say goodbye to unwanted pounds is advised to replace non-natural sweeteners with carob powder. Raw materials belong to hypoallergenic products. However, one should not flatter oneself, a preliminary consultation with a doctor is still worth holding. Sometimes there is an individual intolerance to the components.

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Carob in oncology

Studies have shown that the presence of polyphenolic compounds in carob helps prevent the development of cancer. To some extent, the product is toxic, only harm is done to cancer cells. Raw materials are especially recommended to be consumed by the fairer sex. Carob prevents the development of cervical cancer.

carob for diabetes

If we compare carob and cocoa beans, then in the first case, the raw material has a significantly lower amount of sugar. Also in the fruits of the carob tree there is a minimum amount of fat. Carob has 3 times fewer calories than chocolate. If you use the product wisely with diabetes, you can avoid spikes in blood glucose. In parallel, raw materials will provide the body with fiber and protein.

carob for digestion

As mentioned earlier, carob contains fiber. The enzyme has a positive effect on metabolism and intestinal motility. Appetite and secretion of gastric juice will soon normalize. The raw material has insoluble dietary fiber that absorb excess fluid in the body.

The benefits and harms of carob for children

Experts do not recommend including carob in the diet of children who are under 2 years old. Consuming a product in large quantities may not have the best effect on the psyche of the child. A similar effect is achieved due to the content of tannin (tannin). Entering the body, the enzyme reduces protein synthesis in tissues, thereby slowing down the growth and development of the baby. In any case, carob will bring much greater benefits, unlike chocolate or cocoa.

Benefits of carob for men

Some sources of ancient times say that carob has a positive effect on men's health. The product stimulates potency and eliminates diseases of the genital organs. Regular intake of the composition increases the activity of spermatozoa.

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How to choose carob

1. It is important to know that you will not be able to purchase carob powder everywhere. Bulk composition or syrup is usually sold in health and sports nutrition stores. Raw materials are often found in professional tea outlets. At the moment, the product can be easily ordered via the Internet.
2. If you decide to use the services of online stores, you should re-read all the reviews about the quality of products and service. When purchasing carob in a professional shop, carefully study the packaging. Pay attention to the quality of packaging, expiration date and production date.
3. In appearance, the loose composition has a delicate pink tint. The raw material has a pleasant smell with nutty notes. If you decide to purchase a light roasted product, it has a darker color. The taste of the product will give a barely noticeable sourness with a caramel flavor.
4. If carob has been medium roasted, its color may resemble cocoa. The smell will be more tart, and the taste with a slight bitterness. Please note that the more raw materials are fried, the less sugar will be contained in the composition.

Carob storage rules

1. Connoisseurs recommend storing raw materials directly in the pods. Such a product must be placed in a glass container or a paper bag. After that, the container with the contents should be kept in a cool place with minimal humidity.
2. If you follow simple rules, carob is stored in this way for up to 3 years without loss of useful properties. If you decide to use the product, it is enough to break it up and pass it through a coffee grinder.
3. In most cases, carob is sold in the form of a crumbly formulation. Such raw materials are packaged in bags treated with aluminum (foil). Also, the bag is placed in a cardboard box. Carob in this form is stored for up to 1.5 years.

Harm carob

1. Experts have not established significant harm to carob, excessive consumption of the product can cause some health problems. Therefore, if you have not tried raw materials before, it should be introduced into the diet gradually. In rare cases, individual intolerance is manifested.
2. As for contraindications, carob should be consumed with extreme caution in diabetes mellitus. Depending on the processing method, the drink may stimulate an increase in blood glucose. The recommended daily intake of the product in case of illness should not exceed 20 grams.

Carob can be attributed to the number of unique products that have a wide range of applications. At the same time, the fruits of the carob tree practically do not have a side effect. Children should introduce the composition into the diet no earlier than 2 years.

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Video: healthy carob drink

Carob - what is it and how is it used in cooking? It is to these questions that we will devote our article.

Carob - what is this product?

Carob is a leguminous fruit of an evergreen carob tree that grows in the Mediterranean countries, namely, in Italy, Spain, Cyprus, and so on. Raw, this product is inedible. But when unripe, it is plucked and dried in the sun, it becomes very sweet and tasty. Outwardly, carob is not much different from ordinary cocoa powder, except for a shade of brown. However, it is richer and sweeter in taste. In addition, a significant difference between the two presented products is that packaged carob does not contain flavors and other chemicals that are often added to cocoa powder, chocolate, and so on.

One cannot ignore the fact that the carob tree, which gives such a useful product, is not susceptible to diseases of the wood sponge. In this regard, it is never sprayed with chemicals, which is a huge plus for the finished powder.

History reference

In ancient Greece, carob was known as the "Egyptian fig". Such hard and smooth leguminous seeds had absolutely identical weight and shape. Because of this, for a long time they acted as a measure of mass under the Arabic name "carat". It should be noted that this fractional unit of measure is still used today (in jewelry and pharmaceuticals).

Product Features

Carob - what is this product? Having answered the question posed, one should proceed to find out whether this ingredient is useful, or whether it is undesirable to eat it.

Not everyone knows, but this powder is surprisingly rich in natural dietary fiber, which has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora. In addition, unlike cocoa beans, it is much sweeter and does not require the additional use of refined sugar during the preparation of any dessert. So what are the other benefits of a product like carob? The benefits of this powder are as follows.

Firstly, it contains a huge amount of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, nickel, copper, manganese, barium) and vitamins (A, B2, B and D). At the same time, carob is 8% protein.

Secondly, the presented product significantly reduces the absorption of excess cholesterol during meals. It is also worth noting that the hypocholesterol ability of carob is 2 times stronger than that of other dietary fibers.

Thirdly, unlike cocoa and coffee, such a powder does not contain psychotropic substances, namely theobromine and caffeine, which are present in all chocolate products and quite often cause allergic reactions and addiction.

Fourthly, carob (recipes with this product will be presented below) does not include in its composition such a substance as phenylthylamine, which causes migraines and headaches, as well as fromamine, which contributes to the appearance of an allergic rash, acne.

Fifth, there is no oxalic acid in carob, which prevents the body from accumulating elements such as zinc and calcium, which are necessary for healthy skin and bones. Those who prefer a regular cocoa bar to this powder often experience acne on their faces.

Sixth, carob contains complex carbohydrates, as well as tannins. As for the first element, it makes the powder more sticky, promotes rapid absorption of liquid and acts similarly to a thickener. The tannins of this product bind toxins, and then remove them from the body.

Thus, if you hear the question: "Carob - what is this product?" - you can safely answer that this ingredient is an analogue of cocoa, but it is sweeter and more beneficial for the body.

Application in cooking

This powder is a good substitute for granulated sugar and cocoa in confectionery and chocolate products.

Carob is actively used in the manufacture of dark and white glazes, without changing their original color and smell of the final product. The use of such a product reduces the use of granulated sugar. In addition, the carob tree contains a substance called "resin" or "gum". Thanks to this element, the powder is very often used in cooking as a natural thickener and stabilizer.

You can find out how to use carob, where to buy this product, and other information about it below.

Product cost

For the price, this powder is not much different from the usual cocoa. However, buying it is more than problematic. It is rarely delivered to ordinary supermarkets and grocery stores. What this is connected with is not clear. After all, it is much healthier, sweeter and tastier than cocoa powder. If you still want to enjoy it, it is recommended to contact specialized outlets that sell various products for home baking. In addition, you can search for carob in online stores.

Carob: recipes for various pastries and drinks

The presented product can be used not only for the preparation of various pastries and confectionery products, but also to make drinks from it. Consider a few recipes that you can use to create delicious, and most importantly - healthy - dishes.

Soft and tender chocolate cake

To prepare such a cake, you will need:

• butter - 200 g;
• granulated sugar - 1 cup;
• fresh milk - 1 glass;
• thick kefir - 1 cup;
• wheat flour - 4 cups;
• carob - 4 large spoons;
• table soda - ½ dessert spoon (must be quenched with vinegar);
• raisins - 1 cup.

Cooking process

First you need to melt the butter, add granulated sugar and carob, and then add milk and kefir. After mixing all the components together, it is necessary to put wheat flour, steamed raisins and table soda slaked with apple cider vinegar to them. As a result, you should get a not very thick base, which must be placed in greased molds and baked in the oven for at least half an hour. These chocolate cupcakes are very sweet, tasty and with a bright aroma of carob.

Instant Candies

To make such a sweet, you need to prepare:

• pitted prunes, dates or other dried fruits - 15-25 pieces;
• carob (powder) - 4 large spoons;
• milk - 1 large spoon;
• sugar - 1 large spoon;
• butter - 10 g.

Cooking process

First you need to make a thick glaze. To do this, heat milk, carob, butter and granulated sugar over low heat. Next, you need to dip the purchased dried fruits into the resulting mixture, place them separately on a flat plate, and then cool in the refrigerator. By the way, if you put the made icing into a small form and just freeze it, then in the end you will get very tasty and healthy carob chocolate.

How to prepare a flavored drink?

Carob drink is prepared in much the same way as ordinary cocoa or coffee from freshly ground beans. For this you will need:

• fresh milk of low fat content - 250 ml;
• carob powder - 1.5 table. spoons;
• ordinary drinking water - 200 ml;
• flower or linden honey - 1 large spoon.

Cooking process

Carob (drink recipes are presented in this article) should be added to milk from the very beginning. This is necessary so that the powder loses its lumps and becomes more tasty. Thus, it is required to combine a dairy product and ordinary drinking water in a ladle or a small saucepan, and then add carob to them, put on a not very strong fire and mix thoroughly with a large spoon. After that, you should wait for the liquid to boil, pour granulated sugar into the dishes and remove it from the stove. The main thing at the same time is not to miss the moment, since the drink can very quickly and unexpectedly “run away”. Next, you need to add a spoonful of honey to the ladle and pour the drink into a large bowl. It should be served hot or slightly chilled.

How to make tasty carob tea?

Above, we described exactly how to prepare delicious drinks from such a powder product as carob. Tea from this ingredient is no less useful. After all, with its regular use, a person receives the charge and energy he needs. Unlike conventional tea leaves, crushed locust beans contain essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, sodium, zinc and manganese. In addition, the taste of this excellent tea drink is quite similar to compote made from dried fruits. It also has a pronounced spicy and delicate aroma and a slightly perceptible sweetness. The presence of a huge amount of useful substances, minerals and vitamins in carob tea makes it indispensable in the daily diet.

Cooking process

Making tea from crushed carob pods is quite easy and simple. To do this, you need to take a clay or porcelain teapot, rinse it with boiling water and add a couple of spoons of carob. Next, the product must be poured with just boiling water, mixed with a spoon, tightly closed and left for a quarter of an hour. After that, you can safely pour the tea and serve it to the table.

1. There is no need to look for any specific recipes in which this product can be used. After all, it is allowed to add it to any sweet pastries or confectionery. If you want to use cocoa or chocolate in them, then it's okay. These products should simply be replaced with carob, which will not affect the taste and quality of the final product.
2. As for drinks, they can be given to children without any fear. Moreover, by adding ingredients such as vanilla, honey, etc., you can achieve a richer taste and aroma.
3. It is not necessary to make tea only from crushed carob. After all, it can also be used as an additive to a black or green brew product. This method will make the tea ceremony more useful and will not leave any of your guests indifferent.

In conclusion, I would like to say that carob is not a panacea and a drug. But if those people who cannot imagine life without chocolate, cocoa or coffee will use this particular product more often, then their health and well-being will improve significantly.