Fresh Carob

Country Of Origin: Turkey

Seasons/Availability 
Fresh Carob beans are available year-round.

Description
Fresh Carob beans are long, flattened pods that mature from a bright green to a deep brown. Carob beans are naturally sweet and have a honeyed taste, similar to sweetened cocoa.
Carob beans were not exposed to any agricultural spraying and fertilization, as they were collected from trees that grew spontaneously in the forest, not from trees produced as a result of any agricultural activity. 
Uses
The entirety of the Carob bean may be consumed; the outer pod can be eaten directly from the tree though the seeds must be expelled. The pod is typically dried, ground into a powder and used as a substitute for cocoa. The hard seeds can be roasted and used as a substitute for coffee. A starchy, gum-like substance is extracted from the seed and used as an emulsifier for smoothies and ice cream. Carob is used by the food industry in various forms, particularly in health foods as an alternative to chocolate.


​Benefits
Carob beans are high in fiber and in protein as well as vitamins A and B. They contain four times the amount of potassium as bananas. Fresh Carob beans are lower in fat and higher in sugars than chocolate, have no caffeine and are non-toxic to animals.