Carob tree Facts
Carob tree Facts
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| Interesting Carob tree Facts: |
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| Carob tree is medium-sized plant. It grows 49 feet in height and develops semi-circular crown of the same size. |
| Carob tree has thick trunk with furrowed, brown bark. |
| Carob tree develops green, round-shaped leaves with leathery texture. Leaves are alternately arranged on the branches. |
| Carob tree produces small and numerous flowers, gathered in catkin-like inflorescence. Immature flowers are yellow-green. Mature flowers are red colored. Carob tree is trioecious plant, which means that male, female and hermaphrodite flowers develop on three separate trees. |
| Flowers of carob tree are pollinated by wind or by bees that are attracted by large quantities of nectar. |
| Fruit of carob tree is thick, broad pod with around 8 bean-shaped seed. Ripe pod is brown colored. Harvest usually takes place one year after pollination. |
| Pod contains sweet pulp which tastes like chocolate. It is rich source of proteins, vitamins A, D and vitamins of the B group and minerals such as manganese, magnesium, calcium and iron. |
| Flour made of milled pods is used as a substitute for cocoa in the food industry. Unlike cocoa, carob does not contain caffeine and theobromine. Carob is healthier than cocoa because it contains less fat and sugar. Products made of carob are ideal for people that are allergic to chocolate and for people that need to restrict caloric intake. |
| Oils extracted from the seed of carob tree are used for the manufacture of locust bean gum. This substance is widely used in food industry as thickener for soups, cheeses, ice-creams and syrups. |
| Locust bean gum is also used in cosmetic industry for the manufacture of facial creams. |
| Syrup made from carob pods is used in treatment of sore throat, cough and diarrhea in Malta. |
| Word "carat" originates from Greek word "keration" which means "small horn". It refers to the carob seed that were used as a unit of weight for measuring of purity of gold and gems in the past. |
| Carob pods are popular and widely used as animal fodder. They also used in the manufacture of pet food. |
| Wood of carob tree is used for the production of furniture and as firewood. |
| Carob tree can survive over 100 years in the wild. |
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