
Like cocoa with no drugs (caffeine)
Carob powder is made from the dark brown pods of the carob tree & is not only edible, but rich in glucose and protein (up to 8%).
Use to flavour anything that needs a chocolate flavour and colour.
Our favourite recipe using carob powder is Macadamia fudge
2 cups macadamia nuts
half a cup carob powder
4-8tsp. raw honey
Blend in a food processor or Thermomix until smooth and creamy, spread on a small tray or glass dish and refrigerate
cut into squares and serve
Carob is an evergreen flowering shrub, belonging to the pea family. Native to the Mediterranean region especially in the eastern and southern area of Spain, carob is cultivated for its edible seeds. It is found in its natural form in Southern Anatolia, Cyprus, Syria, Greece, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya and Israel. Consumed since ancient times, it is also known as Saint John’s Bread or locust bean. The dried carob fruit is traditionally consumed on Jewish holidays and the juice is taken by Muslims, during the Islamic month of Ramadan. It is used as a substitute in making various products such as baked goods, bars, snacks, cereal, dairy products, cocoa-containing products and beverages. Read on further to know the different health and nutrition benefits of eating carob and also find its nutritional value.
Nutritional Value of Carob
Amount of Carob Flour: 1
cup
Total Weight of Carob
Flour: 103 g
Nutrients |
Amount |
Basic
Components |
|
Protein |
4.8 g |
Water |
3.7 g |
Ash |
2.3 g |
Calories |
|
Total Calories |
229 |
Calories
From Carbohydrate |
204 |
Calories
From Fat |
6 |
Calories
From Protein |
19 |
Carbohydrates |
|
Total
Carbohydrate |
91.6 g |
Dietary
Fiber |
41 g |
Sugars |
50.5 g |
Fats
& Fatty Acids |
|
Total
Fat |
0.7 g |
Saturated
Fat |
0.1 g |
Monounsaturated
Fat |
0.2 g |
Polyunsaturated
Fat |
0.2 g |
Total
Omega-3 Fatty Acids |
4.1 mg |
Total
Omega-6 Fatty Acids |
218 mg |
Vitamins |
|
Vitamin
A |
14.4 IU |
Vitamin
C |
0.2 mg |
Vitamin
E (Alpha Tocopherol) |
0.6 mg |
Thiamin |
0.1 mg |
Riboflavin |
0.5 mg |
Niacin |
2 mg |
Vitamin
B6 |
0.4 mg |
Folate |
29.9
mcg |
Choline |
12.3 mg |
Minerals |
|
Calcium |
358 mg |
Iron |
3 mg |
Magnesium |
55.6 mg |
Phosphorus |
81.4 mg |
Potassium |
852 mg |
Sodium |
36.1 mg |
Zinc |
0.9 mg |
Copper |
0.6 mg |
Manganese |
0.5 mg |
Selenium |
5.5 mcg |
Nutrition and Health
Benefits of Eating Carob
•
Carob tannins contain Gallic acid that works as an analgesic,
anti-allergic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral and antiseptic.
•
Carob improves digestion and lowers cholesterol level in the
blood.
•
It is used for treating diarrhea in children and adults alike.
•
Since it does not contain caffeine, carob benefits people with
high blood pressure.
•
Regular use of carob helps in preventing lung cancer.
•
The vitamin E content in carob helps in treating cough, flu,
anemia and osteoclasis.
•
The Gallic acid in carob helps in preventing and treating polio
in children.
•
Carob fights against osteoporosis, due to its richness in
phosphorus and calcium.
•
Carob pod husks are chewed by singers to clear the voice and
throat.
Tips
•
Carob forms an important commercial stabilizer and thickener in
bakery goods, ice cream, jelly, salad dressings, cheese, bologna, sauces,
salami, canned meats, fish, mustard and other food products.
•
The carob powder is used as a substitute for cocoa powder or
chocolate in cakes, cookies and candies.