What is carob and how is it consumed?

According to the legend, this fruit that the prophet Jacob, who was hungry in the desert, consumed instead of bread, is also called "horn" in the Western Mediterranean. In Anatolia, it is known as carob. You can find everything you wonder about carob, a natural alternative to sweets, in this article.

Grown in countries bordering the Mediterranean, your carob is a complete source of antioxidants and fiber. Carob, with its other active ingredients, is also an excellent alternative to cocoa. Moreover, carob does not contain caffenoids like cocoa. The fact that cocoa is exempt from migraine-triggering ingredients also makes carob the most innocent chocolate. The benefits of carob, which you can consume in many ways instead of table sugar and artificial sweeteners, are endless. Now, if you are ready, let's find out together the answer to the question of how to eat carob.

How to Eat Carob?

In Anatolia, carob (carob) is widely consumed as molasses or essence. Carob, which has been proven to be beneficial especially in digestive system diseases, is preferred raw in constipation and diarrhea problems. In addition, the carob fruit is dried and roasted and turned into powder. Carob powder is popularly used as a cocoa alternative.

How to Consume Carob?

Now it's time to answer the question of how to eat carob fruit; here are the details...

• You can consume carob in the form of molasses for breakfast. You can mix it with tahini. Carob molasses is rich in calcium and iron. In addition, carob molasses, which is a natural energy source, provides satiety for a long time with the carbohydrates it contains. Like many fruits, sugar is added to carob when turning it into molasses. For this reason, it is useful to limit the consumption of carob molasses, although it seems innocent with its natural sugary taste.
• Carob extract is; It is obtained as a result of pressing the fruit with its seeds. Carob extract, which is used as a stabilizer in food production, is used to provide chocolate flavor. You can consume carob extract, which has a more concentrated structure compared to molasses, by diluting it.
• As an alternative to cocoa, you can choose the powdered form of carob fruit. The answer to the question of how to use powdered carob is hidden in your creativity! You can use it in cake, pudding or even hot chocolate recipes containing cocoa, and bake biscuits and cookies. You can create healthier flavors by adding a piece of carob powder to bread dough, pancake and pancake mixes.

How to Eat Carob Extract?

• You can eat carob extract by pouring it on yogurt and ice cream, and you can use it while preparing milkshakes.
• You can also consume carob extract with milk, which you can use to add flavor to your coffee drinks.
• Carob is preferred not only for its taste, but also for its health benefits. Carob extract has expectorant properties. In addition, carob extract, which strengthens the immune system, can reduce the symptoms of colds.

How to Drink Carob?

• Carob fruit can also be consumed as a tea.
• First of all, thoroughly wash the fruit you will use for tea.
• Cut 4-5 carobs in half a liter of boiling water and throw them into small pieces. After boiling the fruits for 5-6 minutes with the mouth open, turn off the stove. After it gets warm, you can filter the carob pieces and serve your tea.

How to Eat Fresh Carob?

• Ripe, green to brown skinned fresh carob can also be eaten raw. If you have fresh fruit picked from the tree, let them dry slightly at room temperature for 3-4 days.
• Now you can bite into medium-hard carobs just like carrots. But don't forget to spit out the seeds!
• If the carobs are too hard, they may be too dry. In this case, try to consume the fruit after soaking it for at least one night.

How is carob powder (flour) obtained?

• Carob powder, also known as carob flour; It is obtained by grinding the fruit with industrial type machines after being saved.
• After the carob fruit is ground, it is dried one more time and turns into carob powder.
• You need to use a professional type, powerful motorized blender or food processor to grind the carob fruit.
• Thoroughly wash the carobs you will use for grinding and remove dust and dirt.
• In order to easily remove the seeds of carob, soak them overnight. You can also choose to boil dry, very hard-shelled carobs. Make sure your boiling time is not less than 20 minutes.
• Place the pitted fruit on a baking tray and dry for several hours at low temperature. If you use a fruit dehydrator, you can keep your carobs in the dehydrator overnight.
• Now you can grind the carobs with the help of a blender or food processor. Before starting this process, be sure to check whether the blades and engine power are suitable for grinding. Because hard carob shells can permanently damage your device.
• You can use the carob powder you grind by sifting the lumps and remaining pieces.