Carob (carob) is a plant that forms the typical natural vegetation of the Mediterranean region and adapts to the heat. There is no culture cultivation of the locust tree. It has been formed as the existing trees of natural vegetation for 5-6 centuries. The fruit of the tree got this name because it looks like the horn of the goat. This plant is also known as carob in Anatolia due to the carob (carob) flowers that have survived from the Roman period. The fruit of the tree is used both in food types that people can consume and in animal feed. We use locust bean, molasses, locust extract, locust flour, locust honey, which is a long-lived tree species.
What are the Benefits of Carob?
1) Carob is a rich source of nutrients containing potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium and iron minerals.
2) It has antioxidant properties and contains a high amount of fiber. It can be used to meet the fiber requirement.
3) It contains a significant amount of natural sugar in its structure and is a great alternative to meet our daily energy needs.
4) It is gluten free and has very low fat content. For those who want to eat gluten free and healthy, carob powder and flour are a good alternative.
5) With its natural sugar content, it can be used against chocolate, desserts and candies with artificial sweeteners.
Carob Extract (Carob Extract)
Carob extract is a food created by cold pressing (pressing) method without separating the seeds of the fruit. It is dense and concentrated. It is a food rich in vitamins, protein and minerals.
Carob Molasses (Carob Molasses)
Carob molasses (carob molasses) is the food in the form of syrup obtained from the fruit of the carob, whose kernels are extracted, by using cold pressing method without using high temperature and heat.
Carob Honey (Carob Honey)
The carob honey produced from the flowers of the carob tree is a monoflora flower honey. It has a distinctive and characteristic aroma that takes its flavor from carob flower. The honey of the carob flower, which is one of the flowers of trees that existed for 5-6 centuries of natural vegetation, which is not cultivated, is very special. It is a flower honey rich in calcium and vitamin E.
What is the Difference Between Carob Extract and Carob Molasses?
1) Although carob extract is in liquid form like molasses, it has a more dense consistency than carob molasses.
2) Both are obtained by pressing method, which we call cold pressing.
3) Carob extract is squeezed together with the kernels. Carob molasses is separated from its seeds and goes through cold pressing process.
4) Since both are obtained by cold pressing (pressing) method, they do not undergo chemical changes and no loss in nutritional values. No harmful components such as HMF released in the methods of obtaining molasses.
5) The nutritional values they contain differ from each other. Energy and nutritional values of 100 gram carob extract: Energy: 278 kcal, protein: 1.4 g, carbohydrate: 63.9 g, fat: 0 g Energy and nutritional values of 100 gram carob molasses: Energy: 304 kcal, Protein: 0.3 g, Fat: 0 g, Carbohydrate: 82.3 g, Fiber: 0.2 g, Sodium: 4 mg
How to Use Your Carob?
It appears in different forms that can be consumed as carob, molasses, flour, extract (syrup), honey and nuts. Carob is a valuable plant with low fat levels and a significant amount of carbohydrates, protein, potassium, calcium and polyphenols. It is widely used in the food (food & beverage) field especially with its low oil level and high sugar level.
1) Fresh carob fruit, which is cut from its branch, can be drunk by brewing in water.
2) Carob can be consumed fresh and dry with fruit.
3) We can easily use carob flour in bread, cookies, cake and meals.
4) Carob extract is a natural source of sugar. It can be used in all areas where normal sugar is used.
5) Delicious drinks can be created by mixing coffee and milk.
6) It can be added to the daily diet as a supplement. It can be easily consumed in main and snacks.
7) The seeds and fruits of carob can be powdered and mixed with the foods consumed in meals and can be consumed effortlessly.