Carob fruits: benefits and harms, properties, how to use, photos. Carob - benefits and harms to the body Cypriot carob tea

Hello my dear readers!

She has her own little cafe and is engaged in constantly inventing healthy recipes and sharing them with her visitors.

It was at her place that I first tasted a drink made from carob, carob powder, and fell in love with it.

Let's take a closer look at the benefits of carob and how it can be used in cooking.

In this article, you will learn:

Carob - useful properties and methods of application

Carob tree, or Ceratonia pod, or Constantinople pods (lat. Ceratōnia silīqua), or carob (eng. carob) is a plant of the legume family ( Fabaceae)

Description and benefits of carob

Carob is found in many home health recipes and is widely used in industry and cooking.

How do you get carob?

Carob is a natural, nutritious substitute.

It is obtained from the pods of the locust bean (Ceratonia papidae), a flowering evergreen Mediterranean shrub.

Inside, each pod contains sweet, edible pulp.

They are dried and fried in a special way (for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit), and then ground into a powder called carob flour or "carob powder"

Carob powder composition

In terms of its external properties, carob powder is similar to cocoa powder, but it contains more natural sugar, fiber, much less fat (by 17%), minerals (basic Calcium, Potassium and Phosphorus).

And most importantly, unlike cocoa fruit, it does not contain caffeine and theobromine.

These substances can cause a number of negative phenomena in our body: increase the heartbeat, cause insomnia and sleep disturbances, bedwetting, fatigue, obesity, dizziness, irritability, agitation, anxiety, acne, and much more.

Therefore, carob, which in its taste and external qualities is very similar to cocoa, is a worthy alternative to it.

Important!!!

Carob fruits contain as much vitamin B1 as asparagus or strawberries.

It has more niacin than Roman beans, lentils, or peas; more vitamin A than eggplant, asparagus and beets.

It also contains vitamin B2, magnesium, the minerals iron, manganese, chromium, copper and nickel, about 8 percent protein, and is a good source of fiber.

What does carob taste like?

Carob has a great taste and aroma of chocolate, but at the same time carries absolutely no health risks.

In addition, carob is naturally sweet and does not require added sugar, which makes it suitable for diabetic patients.

What is the use of a carob?

So, the benefits of carob:

1. Carob tannins contain gallic acid, which works as an analgesic, antiallergic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral and antiseptic.
2. Carob improves digestion and lowers blood cholesterol levels.
3. It is used to treat diarrhea in children and adults.
4. Since it does not contain caffeine, it can be consumed by people with high blood pressure.
5. Regular use of carob helps in the prevention of lung cancer.
6. The consumption of carob is a good prevention of osteoporosis, due to the high content of phosphorus and calcium.
7. Carob removes toxins and normalizes metabolism.

How to use carob in medicine?

In alternative medicine, there are medicinal recipes with carob powder.

• Recipe number 1

It is used for diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and indigestion in adults, children and animals. Dissolve one tablespoon of the box in a cup of liquid and drink.

• Recipe number 2

French doctors successfully practice the treatment of kidney failure with carob powder. About 2 teaspoons of carob powder should be dissolved in 1 cup of unsweetened cranberry juice and taken four or five times a day.

How to use carob in cooking?

Carob is most often used as a stabilizer and thickener in baked goods, ice cream, jellies, cheese, sauces, canned meat, and other foods.

Also, carob powder is used as a substitute for cocoa powder or chocolate in cakes, cookies and candies.

Video about carob

Be sure to watch this interesting video about the beneficial properties of carob, I recommend it !!!

• Carob is an excellent substitute for cocoa drinks. Just dissolve 1 tsp of powder in hot water and a delicious and healthy drink will be ready.
• Carob can be used in place of cocoa powder in baked goods; add a tablespoon of carob powder to the dough for a beautiful, rich, dark color.
• When replacing cocoa powder, use the same amount of carob powder. But remember that the amount of sugar in the recipe will need to be reduced due to the natural sweetness of the carob.
• Add a scoop of carob powder to your homemade or frozen yogurt.
• You can sprinkle fresh berries and fruits with carob instead of sugar. This is delicious!
• You can make chocolate with carob. Just dissolve 1 tsp in one mug of hot milk and a delicious and aromatic drink is ready!
• Carob is very tasty to mix with butter or coconut oil, honey, spices (cinnamon nutmeg, ginger, cardamom). It turns out such a dessert pasta for breakfast.
• Carob powder can be used to make frosting, breading of truffle-like candies, and topping on baked goods.

Video-recipe for a cake with carobm, look, it is very tasty!

In fact, a wide variety of desserts and pastries can be prepared from carob.

Where to buy carob powder?

Fortunately, natural carob powder can be found in regular stores today.

I buy it at a regular supermarket in the health food section. Here is this manufacturer.

Online stores offer a lot of carob powder from various manufacturers.

For example, here you can buy real organic carob powder.

Try and share your impressions and experiences !!!

I’m glad if this article becomes useful to you and you share it with your friends on social networks.

Send me your recipes for delicious desserts using carob.

Alena Yasneva was with you, Until next time!

Carob is an overseas miracle product that has long been loved by adherents of healthy eating and fans of culinary experiments. How is carob useful and how can you improve your usual dishes with it?

Sweet gift of nature

Externally, the carob is flat, long pods with brown beans inside. This is the fruit of the carob tree that grows in the Mediterranean countries. Raw seeds are absolutely unsuitable for food. How is carob used? The beans are gently dried in the sun and crushed into powder. At first glance, it practically does not differ from dry cocoa, except that it has a lighter brown tint. But the taste of carob is much sweeter. It is only this natural sweetness that makes the product so useful. It is enough to compare the calorie content of carob and cocoa. 100 g of carob contains 222 kcal, while cocoa contains as much as 374 kcal.

Pantry use

The chemical composition of carob is impressive with an abundance of useful elements. It contains a fair amount of potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper and manganese. It is rich in vitamins A, groups B and D. The protein in carob lowers cholesterol intake. Slow carbohydrates provide the body with energy for a long time. Tannins bind and remove toxins. The beneficial properties of carob include the fact that it is deprived of caffeine. This means that high blood pressure, depletion of nerve cells and addiction do not threaten you, even with frequent use. Unlike chocolate, carob contains no harmful substances that cause acne and allergies.

Not an ounce of harm

How is carob used in cooking? Mainly as a substitute for sugar in homemade baked goods and desserts. Mix 100 g of wheat and oat flour, 2 tbsp. l. rye flour and 1 tsp. baking powder. Pour 2 tbsp here. l. carob, ½ tsp. cinnamon and turmeric, ¼ tsp each crushed cloves and cardamom. Pour into the dry mixture 100 ml of boiled water and 3 tbsp. l. vegetable oil, 200 g medium chopped nuts to your taste. Knead the dough, form the same gingerbread and send it to the oven preheated to 180 ° C for 20-25 minutes. Let them cool and grease with honey. This simple yet delicious dessert can be enjoyed even with diabetes. Carob makes it useful and completely harmless.

Tropical vortex

Any pastry chef will tell you how to make a treat with. It is used to make delicious icing, for example, for muffins. Purée with a blender a mixture of 200 g pitted dates, ripe banana and 100 ml orange juice. Pour 130 ml of coconut or any other vegetable oil into it. Pour 250 g of flour with 1 tsp. soda, a pinch of vanilla and knead the dough. Place it in muffin tins and bake at 180 ° C for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, grind ½ banana with 2 tbsp. l. coconut oil and 1 tbsp. l. carob. Lubricate the tops of the cupcakes with this icing and decorate with berries. If you have vegetarians in your family, they will be the first to approve of this dessert.

Pleasant trifles

There is also an excellent way to prepare carob for those who are crazy about delicious sweets. Melt 10 g of butter over low heat. Pour in 1 tbsp. l. cream and honey, pour 4 tbsp. l. carob and continue to cook. Scald 70 g of prunes with boiling water, dry and chop finely. We send it to a saucepan with coffee glaze, season with 1 tsp. cinnamon and a pinch of ginger, mix well. We send it to the refrigerator for 2 hours. We make round candies from the chilled mass, sprinkle with fine almond crumbs and send them to the refrigerator overnight. You will make a wonderful dessert for a friendly party.

A bouncy morning without caffeine

In the form of a delicious fruit smoothie. Soak a handful of raw almonds in water overnight and peel them in the morning. This will make the drink tastier and better assimilated. Put a ripe banana cut into circles, a cup of frozen raspberries and peeled almonds in a blender bowl. We add here 150 ml of coconut milk, 3 tbsp. l. carob and beat the ingredients into a homogeneous air mass. Pour the smoothie into glasses, sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts. Such a hearty cocktail will be a great start to the day and will recharge the body with fresh energy.

We hope your acquaintance with the carob was not in vain. If so, it's time to move from theory to practice. And if you have already discovered this wonderful product for yourself a long time ago, share interesting recipes with his participation.

Carob is a plant-based product that is gaining popularity as a substitute for cocoa and chocolate. It can be used in home cooking to prepare a wide variety of dishes. In addition, carob fruit has extensive health benefits for women, men, and children.

Carob: what is this product

Carob is the fruit of the carob tree, which grows free in the Mediterranean countries, also known as Constantinople Horns, Ceratonia papidae and Carob. The latter version is borrowed from the English language and is now more often used to denote the fruits for the collection of which the tree is cultivated. That is, carob is carob crumb, sold either whole or in powder form.

Carob is the fruit of the carob

Name

In the modern world, fruits and their processed products are common under the English name carob. And the botanical name of the plant - Ceratonia - has Greek roots: εράτιον means "horn". The specific epithet is taken from the Latin language: siliqua means "bob".

Among the peoples of the Mediterranean (especially those whose history is strongly associated with Christianity) the name "John's Breadfruit" is encountered. It was obtained due to the fact that the pods of the carob have a slight yeast odor.

The carob tree has been highly prized in the Mediterranean since Biblical times, when it was used in the region as a measure of weight. By the way, it is from εράτιον that the word "carat" comes from, which is used as a measure of weight in jewelry.

Botanical description

Ceratonia papida is an evergreen tree with a spreading crown of dense feathery leaves, which can reach 12 meters in height. The main area is located at 400-1600 meters above sea level. The carob tree grows slowly, but for a very long time - a specimen 2-3 centuries old is not uncommon. The trunk is strong, dense, the bark is brown and dark gray in color.

Carob tree - Carob

During the flowering period, it is covered with small flowers collected in a brush with a nondescript, rapidly falling calyx. The first flowering occurs at the age of 5-7 years, and fruiting - at 8-10 years of age. For the next 80-100 years, each season one tree produces up to 200 kg of fruit.

The fruits of the tree are beans up to 25 cm long with a thickness of 0.5-1 cm and a width of about 3 cm. What does a bean look like? Like a fleshy brown bean pod, twisted to one side. Inside the beans are seeds and juicy pulp with a high carbohydrate content - sugar occupies about 50% of the composition. But in its raw form, the taste is interrupted by the astringent components of the composition. The pods become sweeter as they dry in the sun.

From the dried pulp of the fruit, carob is produced - a powder that has a similar taste and aroma to cocoa, but does not contain caffeine.

Ceratonia leguminous seeds are distinguished by a high content of polygalactomannan. This polysaccharide gives them a constant mass. Thanks to this feature, seeds in ancient times came into use as a carat.

Scope of the fruit

In the countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea, carob fruits have been widely used since ancient times:

• in the Egyptian culture of everyday life, carob, as a substitute for cocoa, appeared in antiquity, from where it spread to other countries;
• in Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Malta and Sicily, the sweetness of carob fruits has found application in cooking compotes and liqueurs;
• among different Mediterranean peoples, ceratonia beans are used to treat gastrointestinal diseases, weakness and malaise, colds, coughs;
• in Cyprus carob seeds are fed to domestic animals;
• in modern industry, seeds are used as raw materials for the manufacture of food thickeners.

Carob benefits and harms to the body

Carob benefits and harms to the body

The chemical composition of carob

Carob - what is it? Flour, which is obtained by grinding the pulp of dried carob pods. This is a dry product, most of which is carbohydrates. The proportions of the main nutrients in its composition look like this:

• proteins - 4.6 g;
• carbohydrates - 49, 1 g;
• fats - 0.7 g;
• dietary fiber - 39.8 g;
• water - 3.6 g;
• ash substances - 2, 27 g.

The calorie content of Ekoba in dry form is about 220 kcal.

The vitamin and mineral base of the product is distinguished by the presence of vitamins B1-B6, E, PP, as well as impurities of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, manganese and selenium. In addition, the composition contains a large amount of tannins, which determine the tart taste of fresh fruits. When dried, some of these components volatilize, and sugar is felt the most.

An important feature of the carob fruit is the absence of gluten. This allows people with celiac disease to safely eat beans and carob.

How carob is produced

Before making the carob flour, the ripe ones are selected from them, the seeds are removed and only the soft middle part is left, because the tails are usually bitter. The beans are sun-dried but suspended in the air.

How do you get carob

The answer to the question of which carob - fried or unroasted - is better to buy depends on what it will be used for:

• The pulp can immediately grind into a sweet beige powder with a slight nutty flavor. Such a product has a rather coarse fraction and is used in the food industry as a sweetener.
• For the production of fine flour, the raw materials are first fried for 10-12 minutes, heating to + 205ºC. Such carob has a darker color, small particles and a bitter taste. It is from it that a drink is prepared that replaces cocoa for people who avoid the use of caffeine.

Carob of both types is used in the confectionery industry. It is added to sweets, pasta, flour products. Hard dark bars, similar to traditional cocoa bean chocolates, are called carbolate. In Western countries, Carob cream has become very popular.

Why is carob useful?

Many people now pay attention to carob not because of what it contains, but because of what is not in its composition:

• The product has a minimal fat content. This significantly extends the life of the carob. Among those fatty acids that are still in the composition, oleic and linolenic ones predominate. They are not produced by the human body.
• The composition does not contain theobromine and caffeine, so the product does not have a neurostimulating effect. It also prevents the development of addiction, as is the case with coffee or chocolate.
• The composition does not contain oxalic acid, which prevents the absorption of potassium and zinc, as well as provoking urolithiasis and kidney stones.
• For people suffering from migraines, carob is good for the absence of phenylethylamine, a neurotransmitter that provokes pain attacks.

Obviously, the drink and sugary carob products are more beneficial for people with anxiety disorders, pregnant women, allergy sufferers and healthy eating haters than natural cocoa chocolate.

Carob derivatives and their uses

Useful properties of carob

For more than a decade, food stabilizers - pectin and gum - have been made from the fruits of leguminous ceratonia. As part of various food and semi-finished products, they can be found under the notorious "eshki": E440 and E410. Both of these components are safe for health, and even have antioxidant, coagulating, adsorbing and bactericidal effects.

Carob syrup

Carob syrup is made in the countries where carob grows. It is a thick dark brown liquid with a high sugar content. For its preparation, the beans, peeled from seeds, are finely chopped, thrown into water and evaporated for a long time. The syrup can be used for food purposes, but it is prepared for other purposes. It is used to treat various health problems:

• diarrhea;
• sleep disorders;
• respiratory tract diseases;
• nervous disorders;
• diarrhea;
• allergic shortness of breath.

Experts explain the beneficial properties of syrup with a high content of tannins. It helps prevent osteoporosis as it contains three times more calcium than cow's milk.

Medicinal use of syrup:

• daily intake of a glass of warm water with a spoonful of syrup on an empty stomach helps to speed up the removal of harmful substances from the body;
• for the treatment of cough, flu and respiratory infections, it is recommended to drink hot water (1 glass) several times a day with a spoonful of syrup dissolved inside;
• to relieve diarrhea and gastrointestinal disorders, it is recommended to take a spoonful of syrup three times daily before meals.

More about carob syrup >>

Tea

Butter

Carob oil is very rarely found on the market in Russia. But in Mediterranean countries, it is used for medical purposes. This product is known as an effective immune system enhancer and cardiovascular system.

Healing properties of carob for health

Useful properties of carob

The therapeutic, prophylactic and immunomodulatory qualities of the pods of ceratonia and carob are due to their rich chemical composition. So, a large amount of dietary fiber has a positive effect on the work of digestion:

• a dense mass, like a brush, passes through the intestines and removes ballast from it;
• swelling dietary fibers gently massage the cavities of the organs, increasing blood circulation;
• due to indigestible fiber, the feeling of satiety is prolonged.

The high content of polyphenolic compounds gives reason to consider carob a strong antioxidant. This means that it is included in the complex of products that inhibit cancerous tumors and prevent their appearance. It is believed that regular consumption of carob-containing foods and drinks reduces the risk of developing cancer of the lungs, cervix, larynx, mouth, stomach and other organs.

A small proportion of fat and a lot of fiber help in the prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiac ailments - the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood decreases and the heart experiences less stress.

The pods contain substances that have a sedative effect. They act as natural antidepressants, relieve irritability, fears, anxiety and reduce the risk of panic attacks. It is noteworthy that addiction is never observed.

Carob: how to make a drink

The most delicious carob (as a drink) is obtained by brewing the powder in milk. It can be of both animal and plant origin. What's more, the aromatic base in the form of almond milk will even make the aroma and taste richer. In general, the cooking procedure is the same as for regular cocoa. You need to heat two glasses of milk and dissolve 1.5 tablespoons of the powder in them. To reduce the fat content, you can dilute the milk with an equal amount of water.

Hot Carob Drink

While carob itself is very sweet, adding a spoonful of lime or flower honey will make the drink even more delicious. It is recommended to immediately mix the carob with milk, pouring in the powder with stirring to avoid the formation of lumps.

Carob: Recipes and Cooking Uses

1. Carob powder is used similarly to cocoa in baked goods and confectionery. And it also gives the dough a rich brown color. The proportions of the product are preserved.
2. The cocoa substitute complements and enriches cold yoghurts and ice creams when sprinkled on top or added to a recipe.
3. Fruits and berries, sprinkled with carob instead of sugar, are just as tasty and sweet.
4. Carob milk, similar to milk chocolate, is made from a mug of hot liquid and a spoonful of dark powder.
5. Carob can be supplemented with recipes for dessert pastes based on coconut, butter, honey and spices.
6. Carob powder mixed with oil and additional ingredients (berries, sesame seeds, nuts, etc.) make delicious sweets, which, by the way, cook very quickly.

Chocolate carob pudding

Products:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• a glass of almond or other plant-based milk;
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract;
• 3 bananas;
• 2 tbsp carob;
• a pinch of salt.

For cooking, you need to combine all the components and mix well, and then put it in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes. After this time, a simple, tasty snack with a healthy composition will be ready to eat.

Candies

1. Mix 10 g butter with 1 tbsp. sugar, 1 tbsp. milk and 3 tbsp. powder. Heat the mixture until a glaze forms.
2. Dip dates, prunes or any other dried fruit without pits into the base, put on a plate and send to the freezer to cool.
3. The remaining icing can be frozen for a delicious chocolate-like bar.

Cocoa-free chocolate with skew shavings

For cooking, you need to take carob powder, coconut flakes and coconut (butter is also suitable) in an equal volume. This is a basic recipe, but you can add dried fruits, honey or nuts to your taste.

Cooking procedure:

1. Melt butter until liquid, remove from heat.
2. Dissolve powder in oil without lumps.
3. Add coconut flakes and a little honey to the mixture, mix well.
4. Pour the mass into a mold.
5. Sprinkle with dried fruits or nuts.
6. Place the mold in the freezer for at least 1 hour.

Pancakes

Products:

• milk - 200 ml;
• flour - 1.5 tbsp;
• chicken egg - 1 pc .;
• carob powder - 2-3 tablespoons;
• sunflower oil - 1 tablespoon;
• sugar, salt.

Cooking procedure:

1. Send all ingredients to a shared bowl, whisk until traditional pancake dough is formed without lumps.
2. Heat the skillet well and bake the pancakes.

Harm and precautions

Carob is a product widely used in Europe and Arab countries, safe for men, women and children. The latter is even prescribed to treat diarrhea and regurgitation of food too often. Studies of the powder by scientists have confirmed its toxic and carcinogenic safety. There are no direct contraindications to use during lactation and gestation, but it is still strongly recommended that you consult with your doctor and try the product with caution.

The US Food and Drug Administration has declared carob powder safe for humans and animals. For adults, the recommended daily intake is limited to 20 grams. There are no exact instructions for children, so you need to focus on half of this volume.

Storage

The pods retain their beneficial properties when stored in a tin or glass jar with a tight lid that prevents air from entering. The storage area should be cool and dry. In such conditions, they remain in their best shape for 18-24 months.

To preserve the taste and medicinal qualities of the powder, it is better to pour it into a foil bag and put it in a dark cardboard box. The place is dry and cool. Term - no more than 1.5 years from the date of production.

Where to buy powder?

Ceratonia fruit powder can be found today in almost any large city in Russia. To do this, however, you need to contact specialty stores that sell products for adherents of a healthy diet and an organic diet. For both brewing and confectionery experiments, medium roasted powder is suitable. It is inexpensive and does not cost more than 400 rubles per 0.5 kilogram. For reasons of economy, it would be better to buy a medium roast carob online for a direct shipment from the manufacturer. This guarantees the quality of the product, its natural origin and an affordable price.

Medium Roast Carob Powder can be purchased here

Frontier Natural Products Powder is a natural, unirradiated product suitable for kosher, vegan, vegetarian and halal diets.

Unlike cocoa, it has more minerals, less fat and does not require added sugar, as it is very sweet in itself.

Quality product criteria

• Country of origin: Australia, USA, Mediterranean countries.
• Good reviews about manufacturers and the product itself.
• Powder from unroasted raw materials should have a light nutty aroma, light beige tint.
• The product from lightly roasted carob fruit is dark in color. In its taste, caramel and sour notes are faintly felt.
• The medium roast powder is similar to ground coffee, with a chocolate aroma and a bitter taste.

Delicious chocolate and milkshakes are made from carob powder. If you watch your food and want to eat food without chemicals and preservatives with dyes, prepare drinks by adding healthy carob to them.

Carob is the fruit of the carob used to make sweet powder and fruit syrup.

Cooking features

Raw or fried ...

• Raw carob is suitable for making milkshakes and fruit smoothies. Will be to the liking of sweets.
• Slightly roasted - has a darker shade and a high sugar content (40%), is distinguished by a slight sourness and light caramel taste.
• Fans of "chocolate" drinks are better off taking fried carob with a bitter aftertaste typical for dark chocolate.

How to brew

It will be useful for hostesses to know that:

• To improve the quality of the final product, before cooking, it is advisable to sift the powder, similar to flour, to remove lumps.
• The powder dissolves quickly in a glass of hot water or milk at a temperature of 90 degrees.
• By itself, carob tastes sweet, so it does not need the addition of sugar or honey.
• The drink can be supplemented with milk, carob does not affect the absorption of milk fats.
• Also, if desired, add a little vanilla or cinnamon.
• Carob powder and syrup blend perfectly with cottage cheese, coconut and fruit.

I have collected a selection of healthy and delicious drinks that can be made from carob. These recipes are fine for weight loss diets.

Cocoa from carob

Cocoa with milk is the most popular and everyone's favorite drink. Alternative cocoa from carob turns out to be just as tasty and healthy.

Carob powder has a number of advantages over cocoa powder, namely:

• does not contain psychotropic and toxic substances (caffeine, phenylethylamine, oxalic acid);
• has a natural sweetness due to the presence of fructose and sucrose;
• contains three times more calcium and ten times less fat compared to the competitor.

It is worth emphasizing that the carob packaged in packs does not contain any chemical impurities, which are often used by manufacturers of cocoa powder, chocolate and other confectionery products.

To prepare aromatic and delicious cocoa from carob you will need:

A glass of milk with a low percentage of fat (1.6% is fine) - 250m
A glass of ordinary drinking water - 200 ml
Powdered carob, not fried or fried (to taste) - 1.5 tbsp. spoons
Natural honey or sugar - 1 tablespoon

Cooking method

1. In a small saucepan or saucepan, combine milk, water and immediately add carob. This will help to avoid lumps of powder and improve the taste of the drink.
2. Put the mixture over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring thoroughly with a spoon.
3. When the mixture starts to boil, add sugar or honey to taste.
4. Then carefully remove the dishes from the stove, as the finished drink may unexpectedly "escape" from the pan.
5. Alternative cocoa is served hot or slightly cooled to the table.

Carob coffee

Carob can also be a complete substitute for coffee. Coffee made from carob powder is the best choice for avid coffee lovers who are transitioning to a healthy lifestyle.

As with cocoa powder, caffeine and theobromine-free carob is superior to coffee in terms of health benefits.

Unlike coffee, this drink, of course, will not invigorate, but it will fill the body with energy and vitamins.

But such a dizzying aroma as from a cup of high-quality natural coffee, unfortunately, cannot be achieved from it.

Recipe

Carob coffee also needs to be brewed in a narrow vessel or turk. An electric turk will do too.

1. Pour 200 ml of boiled water into a Turk and put it on the stove.
2. Then add 3-4 teaspoons of carob, and stirring well, bring to a boil.
3. The boiling process is accompanied by foam rising to the top of the turkey. It is necessary to very carefully control the foam: as soon as it reaches its maximum, quickly remove the vessel from the stove.
4. The foam has dropped - the Turk returns to the fire. Such manipulations need to be carried out one or two more times.
5. The cooking process will take about 5 minutes.
6. Ready coffee can be flavored with cinnamon, milk or carob syrup.

Is it possible to drink coffee at night with a diet

Carob with milk

We are not talking about cow's milk, but about exotic types of milk, on the basis of which delicious unusual drinks are obtained with the use of carob.

Main ingredients for 1 serving of drink

1. A glass of coconut milk - 250 ml
2. Carob powder, not roasted or roasted (to taste) - 2 rounded teaspoons
3. Chicory powder - 1 level teaspoon
4. Spices (vanilla, cardamom) - literally on the tip of a knife
5. Sugar or natural honey (to taste)

Cooking method

1. Pour coconut milk into a Turk or any other deep vessel and put on fire.
2. We immediately add carob, chicory and spices to it.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, but do not bring it to a boil.
4. Next, remove the drink from the stove and let it cool.
5. All that remains is to pour the carob into cups, sweeten it with sugar or honey and enjoy the delicious taste of the drink in pleasant company.

Milk during a diet should be drunk in moderation. How much is this?

Carob powder tea

Cooking method

1. We take a porcelain or clay teapot, pour over it with boiling water.
2. Then add a few spoons of carob powder there and pour the product from the boiling kettle.
3. Mix everything quickly with a spoon, tightly close the teapot with a lid and leave for 15 minutes.
4. After a quarter of an hour, boldly pour the tea into cups and enjoy its aroma and delicious taste.

This recipe can be modified by adding carob to black or green tea. This will make the tea ceremony brighter and healthier, and will certainly please all guests.

How to make turmeric or cinnamon tea (12 recipes)

Smoothie with carob and dates
(banana-based)

Incredibly, all the vitamin potential of vegetables and fruits can be concentrated in a glass of smoothies.

Smoothie is an unusually useful liquid that moisturizes and nourishes the human body with the help of vitamins and minerals, and also creates a reliable barrier against the penetration of infections.

Carob smoothies become even tastier and healthier, and also contribute to the elimination of intestinal problems.

Main ingredients per serving

1. Chilled glass of milk - 200 ml
2. Large meaty dates - 3 pieces
3. Large ripe banana - 1 piece
4. Carob powder, fried or not fried (to taste) - 0.5 tablespoon
5. Cinnamon - 0.5 teaspoon
6. Vanilla to taste

Cooking method

1. My fruit.
2. Peel the banana and cut it into slices.
3. Free the dates from seeds.
4. We load all the ingredients into a blender and mix at medium speed until smooth.
5. We pour the finished smoothie into glasses and treat the guests with pleasure.

What drinks help you lose weight Cold or hot?

Banana and carob cocktail

Hot milk-based carob drinks are very pleasant and reminiscent of cocoa.

But the taste of cold milk fruit cocktails with the addition of carob takes on a new hue, becomes much brighter and richer.

At the same time, all of the above useful properties of the carob powder are preserved. So why deny yourself the pleasure and not taste this wonderful drink?

Main ingredients for two servings

Chilled milk - 400 ml
Large ripe banana - 2 pieces
Roasted or not roasted carob powder (to taste) - 1 dessert spoon
Vanilla sugar - 1 dessert spoon
Natural honey - 1 dessert spoon

Cooking method

1. We wash the bananas, peel them and cut them into slices.
2. Pour milk into the blender bowl, send bananas, carob, vanilla sugar and honey there.
3. We knock everything down until a fluffy homogeneous mass is obtained.
4. Pour the drink into glasses, decorate with a straw and enjoy its pleasant taste.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that in no case should you treat the carob as a panacea. Everything is good in moderation. But at the same time, regular use of this exotic product in food can significantly improve the health and well-being of people who are not indifferent to chocolate and coffee.

Carob is a ready-made powder that is extracted from the beans of the Ceratonia (also called Carob) tree. In the modern world, raw materials are just beginning to gain popularity; powder is considered an excellent alternative to more harmful chocolate and cocoa. Carob completely replaces sugar in confectionery. The product also has a number of positive qualities. Let's consider everything in order.

Sprouting carob

In terms of taste, carob is similar to cocoa. The aftertaste largely depends on the method and degree of roasting. Outwardly, the fruits are not very bright pink. In terms of usefulness, carob is superior to natural cocoa powder.

In Australia, the carob has taken root well because of its unique qualities. The tree easily lives in arid conditions for a long time. At the same time, the quality of the fruit does not change. Currently, the following countries remain the leaders in the cultivation of ceratonia: Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, Portugal and Australia.

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The benefits of carob

1. Since ancient times, carob has become famous as a means that prolongs youth. Raw materials are rich in antioxidants. Substances entering the body begin to interact with free radicals. Harmful cells are destroyed by a complex chemical process. Thus, the skin particles are not adversely affected.
2. The product is also famous for being caffeine-free. This substance is found in cocoa. A drink made from carob can be drunk by hypertensive patients without harm to health. In addition, the product has no contraindications for children and women who are carrying a fetus. Carob is not addictive due to the unique salsolinol substance. This enzyme is found in chocolate.
3. Also in cocoa beans there is theobromine, the substance is responsible for the psycho-emotional background of a person. There are no such enzymes in carob, so the use of the product will not affect you in any way. You will not suddenly lose your mood. On the contrary, a drink based on such raw materials will help calm the psyche and cope with various thoughts.
4. The main difference between carob and cocoa is that in the first case, the raw material has 10-11 times less fat than in the second. The sweetness of Carob comes from fructose and sucrose. Hence, experts have assigned carob to the category of dietary products. Some components contain fats, they are replaced by gum, which is found in raw carob. Hence, products with carob extract can be stored longer than formulations with added cocoa.
5. Another undoubted advantage of ceratonia is that the abundance of useful enzymes is completely absorbed by the human body. The same cannot be said for cocoa. The benefits of carob are visible to the naked eye. The raw materials are also dominated by a small amount of fiber. The enzyme is enough to fully regulate the digestive processes. Antioxidants in combination with dietary fiber are good at cleansing the body of slagging and toxins.
6. Historical information says that carob in distant times was used by local healers as an effective antiseptic. The composition in a short time helped a person to improve his condition in case of poisoning and diarrhea. The powder was very popular with parents who gave raw materials to children. The useful qualities of a carob can be listed for a very long time. A drink based on the product thoroughly cleanses the blood from cholesterol. Regular intake prevents cardiovascular diseases.
7. Cocoa lovers should rethink their tastes. Carob is sweeter than bean powder. If you make a drink based on Carob, you don't need to add additional sugar. The carob contains natural ingredients that practically do not harm the body. The only condition is that the raw materials are recommended to be consumed with extreme caution by diabetics. Please consult with a specialist in advance. Roasted carob contains a small amount of saccharides.
8. Carob is actively used in dietetics. Regular consumption of the drink significantly dulls hunger. The raw material blocks the production of the hormone grenaline, which is responsible for appetite. Anyone trying to say goodbye to unwanted pounds is advised to replace unnatural sweeteners with carob powder. The raw materials are hypoallergenic products. However, one should not delude ourselves, a preliminary consultation with a doctor is still worthwhile. Sometimes there is an individual intolerance to the components.

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Carob in oncology

Studies have shown that the presence of polyphenolic compounds in carob can prevent the development of cancer. To some extent, the product is toxic, only it is the cancer cells that are harmed. The raw materials are especially recommended for the fairer sex. Carob prevents the development of cervical cancer.

Carob with diabetes

If we compare carob and cocoa beans, then in the first case, the raw material has a significantly lower amount of sugar. Also in the fruits of the Carob tree there is a minimum amount of fat. Carob has 3 times less calories than chocolate. If you consume the product wisely with diabetes, you can avoid surges in blood glucose. In parallel, raw materials will provide the body with fiber and protein.

Carob for digestion

As mentioned earlier, carob contains fiber. The enzyme has a positive effect on the metabolism and intestinal motility. Soon, appetite and gastric secretion are normalized. The raw material contains insoluble dietary fiber, which absorbs excess fluid in the body.

The benefits and harms of carob for children

Experts do not recommend including carob in the diet of children under 2 years of age. Consumption of a product in large quantities may not have the best effect on the psyche of a child. A similar effect is achieved due to the content of tannin (tannin). Entering the body, the enzyme reduces protein synthesis in the tissues, thereby slowing down the growth and development of the baby. In any case, carob is much more beneficial than chocolate or cocoa.

The benefits of carob for men

Some ancient sources say that carob has a positive effect on men's health. The product stimulates potency and eliminates diseases of the genital organs. Regular intake of the composition increases sperm activity.

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How to choose a carob

1. It is important to know that you will not be able to obtain Carob powder all over the place. Loose formulations or syrup are usually sold in health and sports nutrition stores. Often, raw materials are found in professional tea outlets. Currently, the product can be easily ordered online.
2. If you decide to use the services of online stores, it is worth rereading all the reviews about product quality and service. When purchasing a carob in a professional store, carefully study the packaging. Pay attention to the packaging quality, expiration date and production date.
3. The seemingly free-flowing composition has a delicate pink tint. The raw materials have a pleasant smell with nutty notes. If you decide to purchase a light roasted product, it has a darker color. The taste of the product will give off a barely noticeable sourness with a caramel aroma.
4. If the carob has been medium roasted, then its color may resemble cocoa. The smell will be more tart, and the taste will be slightly bitter. Please note that the harder the raw materials are fried, the less sugar will be contained in the composition.

Carob storage rules

1. Experts recommend storing raw materials directly in the pods. Such a product must be placed in a glass container or paper bag. After that, the container with the contents must be kept in a cool place with minimal humidity.
2. If you follow simple rules, carob can be stored in this way for up to 3 years without losing its beneficial properties. If you decide to consume a product, it is enough to break it and pass it through a coffee grinder.
3. In most cases, carob is sold as a crumbly compound. Such raw materials are packed in aluminum-treated bags (foil). Also, the bag is placed in a cardboard box. Carob in this form is stored for up to 1.5 years.

Carob harm

1. Experts have not established significant harm to carob; excessive consumption of the product can cause some health problems. Therefore, if you have not tried the raw material before, it should be introduced into the diet gradually. In rare cases, individual intolerance manifests itself.
2. As for contraindications, carob should be consumed with extreme caution in diabetes mellitus. Depending on the way it is processed, the drink can stimulate the increase in blood glucose. The recommended daily allowance for a product in case of illness should not exceed 20 grams.

Carob is one of the unique products that have a wide range of applications. At the same time, the fruits of the Carob tree have practically no side effects. Children should enter the composition into the diet no earlier than 2 years.

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Video: a healthy drink from carob

Carob - what is it and how is it used in cooking? It is to the questions presented that we will devote our article.

Carob - what is this product?

Carob is the leguminous fruit of an evergreen carob tree that grows in Mediterranean countries, namely in Italy, Spain, Cyprus, etc. In its raw form, this product is inedible. But after being picked unripe and dried in the sun, it becomes very sweet and delicious. Outwardly, carob is not much different from ordinary cocoa powder, except for a shade of brown. However, it tastes more intense and sweeter. In addition, a significant difference between the two presented products is that prepackaged carob does not contain flavors and other chemicals that are often added to cocoa powder, chocolate, etc.

One cannot ignore the fact that the carob tree, which provides such a useful product, is not susceptible to diseases of the wood sponge. Due to this, it is never sprayed with chemicals, which is a huge plus for the finished powder.

Historical reference

In ancient Greece, the carob was known as the "Egyptian fig". Such hard and smooth leguminous seeds were absolutely identical in weight and shape. Thanks to this, for a long time they acted as a measure of mass under the Arabic name "carat". It should be noted that this fractional unit of measurement is still used today (in jewelry and pharmaceuticals).

Product features

Carob - what is this product? Having answered the question posed, one should proceed to finding out whether this ingredient is useful, or it is undesirable to eat it.

Not everyone knows, but this powder is surprisingly rich in natural dietary fiber, which has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora. In addition, unlike cocoa beans, it is much sweeter and does not require additional use of refined sugar during the preparation of any dessert. So what are the other benefits of a product like carob? The beneficial properties of this powder are as follows.

First, it contains a huge amount of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, nickel, copper, manganese, barium) and vitamins (A, B2, B and D). At the same time, carob is 8% protein.

Secondly, the presented product significantly reduces the absorption of excess cholesterol during meals. It is also worth noting that the hypocholesterol capacity of carob is 2 times stronger than that of other dietary fibers.

Thirdly, unlike cocoa and coffee, such a powder does not contain psychotropic substances, namely theobromine and caffeine, which are present in all chocolate products and quite often cause allergic reactions and addiction.

Fourthly, carob (recipes with this product will be presented below) does not include such a substance as phenyltylamine, which causes migraines and headaches, as well as fromamine, which contributes to the appearance of an allergic rash, acne.

Fifth, there is no oxalic acid in carob, which prevents the body from accumulating elements such as zinc and calcium necessary for healthy skin and bones. Those who prefer a regular cocoa bar to this powder are often faced with the appearance of acne on the face.

Sixth, carob contains complex carbohydrates and tannins. As for the first element, it makes the powder more sticky, promotes rapid absorption of liquid and acts in a similar way to a thickener. The tannins of this product bind toxins and subsequently remove them from the body.

Thus, if you hear the question: "Carob - what is this product?" - you can safely answer that this ingredient is an analogue of cocoa, but it is sweeter and healthier for the body.

Cooking applications

This powder is a good substitute for granulated sugar and cocoa in confectionery and chocolate products.

Carob is actively used in the manufacture of dark and white glazes, without changing their original color and the smell of the final product. The use of such a product reduces the use of granulated sugar. In addition, locust bean pods contain a substance called "gum" or "gum". Due to this element, the powder is very often used in cooking as a natural thickener and stabilizer.

You can find out how to use carob, where to buy this product, and other information about it below.

Product cost

For the price, this powder does not differ much from the usual cocoa. However, buying it is more than problematic. It is rarely delivered to ordinary supermarkets and grocery stores. What this is connected with is not clear. After all, it is much healthier, sweeter and tastier than cocoa powder. If you still want to feast on it, it is recommended to contact specialized outlets that sell various products for home baking. In addition, you can search for carob in online stores.

Carob: recipes for different pastries and drinks

The presented product can be used not only for preparing various baked goods and confectionery, but also for making drinks from it. Consider a few recipes that you can use to create delicious, and most importantly - healthy - dishes.

Soft and tender chocolate cake

To prepare such baked goods, you will need:

• butter - 200 g;
• granulated sugar - 1 glass;
• fresh milk - 1 glass;
• thick kefir - 1 glass;
• wheat flour - 4 glasses;
• carob - 4 large spoons;
• table soda - ½ dessert spoon (be sure to extinguish with vinegar);
• raisins - 1 glass.

Cooking process

First you need to melt the butter, add granulated sugar and carob, and then add milk and kefir. After mixing all the ingredients together, add wheat flour, steamed raisins and baking soda slaked with apple cider vinegar to them. As a result, you should get a not very thick base, which must be placed in oiled tins and baked in the oven for at least half an hour. These chocolate muffins are very sweet, tasty and have a rich carob flavor.

Instant sweets

To make such a sweetness, you need to prepare:

• pitted prunes, dates or other dried fruits - 15-25 pcs.;
• carob (powder) - 4 large spoons;
• milk - 1 large spoon;
• sugar - 1 large spoon;
• butter - 10 g.

Cooking process

First you need to make a thick glaze. This requires heating milk, carob, butter and granulated sugar over low heat. Next, you need to dip the purchased dried fruits into the resulting mixture, place them separately on a flat plate, and then cool in the refrigerator. By the way, if you put the glaze made in a small form and just freeze it, then in the end you will get a very tasty and healthy chocolate made from carob.

How to prepare a flavored drink?

Carob is prepared in much the same way as regular cocoa or freshly ground coffee. To do this, you need:

• fresh milk of low fat content - 250 ml;
• carob powder - 1.5 tablespoons. spoons;
• ordinary drinking water - 200 ml;
• flower or linden honey - 1 large spoon.

Cooking process

Carob (drink recipes are presented in this article) should be added to milk from the very beginning. This is necessary in order for the powder to lose its lumps and become more tasty. Thus, it is required to combine a dairy product and ordinary drinking water in a ladle or small saucepan, and then add carob to them, put on a not very high heat and mix thoroughly with a large spoon. After that, you should wait for the liquid to boil, pour granulated sugar into the dishes and remove it from the stove. The main thing is not to miss the moment, as the drink can "run away" very quickly and unexpectedly. Next, add a spoonful of honey to the ladle and pour the drink into a large bowl. It should be served hot or slightly cooled down.

How to make a delicious carob tea?

Above, we described exactly how to prepare delicious drinks from a powder product such as carob. Tea made from this ingredient is no less useful. Indeed, with its regular use, a person receives the charge and energy he needs. Unlike conventional brews, locust bean pods contain essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, sodium, zinc and manganese. In addition, this excellent tea drink tastes quite a lot like a compote made from dried fruits. It also has a pronounced spicy and delicate aroma and a slightly perceptible sweetness. The presence of a huge amount of useful substances, minerals and vitamins in carob tea makes it indispensable in the daily diet.

Cooking process

Making tea from crushed carob pods is quite easy and simple. To do this, you need to take a clay or porcelain teapot, rinse it with boiling water and add a couple of spoons of carob. Next, the product must be poured with just boiling water, mixed with a spoon, tightly closed and left for a quarter of an hour. After that, you can safely pour the tea and serve it to the table.

1. There is no need to look for any specific recipes in which this product can be applied. After all, it is allowed to add it to any baked goods or confectionery. If they require the use of cocoa or chocolate, then it's okay. These products should simply be replaced with carob, which will not in any way affect the taste and quality of the final product.
2. As for drinks, they can be given to children without any fear. Moreover, by adding ingredients such as vanilla, honey, etc. to them, you can achieve a richer taste and aroma.
3. It is not at all necessary to prepare tea only from crushed carob. After all, it can also be used as an additive to a black or green brew product. This method will make the tea ceremony more useful and will not leave indifferent any of your guests.

In conclusion, I would like to say that carob is not a panacea and a medicine. But if those people who cannot imagine life without chocolate, cocoa or coffee begin to use this particular product more often, then their health and well-being will significantly improve.

Carob is considered one of the healthiest sweets among adherents of a healthy diet. By its taste, it is very similar to cocoa, but by its properties it is much higher than it. What is a carob? These are the fruits of the carob tree, ground into powder, which grows in the Mediterranean countries - Spain, Italy, Cyprus. For cultivation, trees are not whimsical, they grow in the wild. The fruits are harvested slightly unripe and then dried in the sun. Despite its usefulness, carob can even be dangerous if misused. That is why you should know the composition of the product, its properties, and cases of contraindications in order to understand all the benefits and harms of carob. This will help you use the powder with health benefits.

It is interesting that the carob seeds have exactly the same mass and size among themselves. This feature was used in antiquity as a measure of mass (carat). To this day, this measure is used in the pharmaceutical and jewelry business to determine the mass of substances (precious metals and others).

What is a carob for nutrition?

Carob is a natural food powder obtained by grinding carob fruit. In appearance, taste and smell, it resembles cocoa, but in terms of properties it is much healthier.

1. Firstly, carob is not treated with chemicals, since it is practically not susceptible to disease.
2. Second, the fruit itself is sweet and does not require the addition of refined sugar to make the sweet powder. True, to get sweet fruits, you need to remove unripe pods from the tree and spread them in the sun. Then they will ripen and become sweet.
3. Thirdly, the carob fruit does not contain caffeine, which is also used by people for whom it is contraindicated. Carob is allowed even for pregnant women.

The carob tree itself or Ceratonia (from the Greek "ceratos" - horn) is an evergreen tree that does not require special care. The fruits are large pods 20-25 cm long, resembling horns (hence the name).

Carob composition

• Protein or protein. Carob contains a fairly large amount of protein (up to 8%). This substance is a structural component of amino acids, nucleic acids and all cells of the body. In addition, the protein content provides its energy value.
• Vitamins. Carob contains a large amount of B vitamins (in particular, B1, B2). They are necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system, support metabolic processes. It is interesting that it contains more vitamins of this group than legumes or strawberries. Also, carob is rich in vitamin A (retinol), which is necessary for the health of the eyes, skin, hair. Vitamin D (calciferol) regulates the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the human body, thereby normalizing the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
• Saturated fatty acids (EFAs) are found in small amounts in carob. It is believed that these fats are harmful to the body. This is not entirely true. A large number of EFAs are deposited on the walls of blood vessels, blocking their lumen. But in small amounts (daily requirement 25% of all fats), these fatty acids are a source of energy for cells. Thanks to their presence, the successful assimilation of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) occurs.
• Microelements. Carob contains a large amount of phosphorus and calcium (as well as vitamin D for their assimilation). Therefore, its fruits are useful for the prevention of osteoporosis. In addition, carob is rich in potassium and magnesium, which are essential for the functioning of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Iron is contained in the form in which it is easily absorbed by the human body. A small amount of copper, zinc, manganese, nickel included in the composition is quite enough, because the need for these elements is small.

Beneficial features

Due to its rich composition, carob is widely used in dietetics (as a component of dietary nutrition) and, in some cases, in medicine. Due to its taste, it is widely used in cooking. Carob is called "healthy chocolate". And all due to the fact that this powder does not contain substances that are rich in cocoa.

• Does not contain salsolinol, an addictive substance found in cocoa beans. It is because of it that some people are addicted to chocolate.
• Does not contain phenylethylamine - a chemical compound that has a psychoactive effect and alters the state of human consciousness. This compound is found in small amounts in cocoa and can cause headaches in sensitive people. Carob, unlike chocolate, precisely because of the absence of phenylethylamine, has a calming effect on the nervous system.
• Does not contain theobromine - a substance that has a cardiac stimulating effect (increases the strength and heart rate) and a diuretic effect. In large quantities, it can lead to tachycardia (increased heart rate) and high blood pressure.
• Does not contain caffeine - a substance that has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, heart, blood vessels. In large quantities, it leads to vasoconstriction, which is fraught with increased blood pressure, headache.
• Does not contain oxalates (in particular oxalic acid). Its presence in the body in large quantities makes it difficult for the absorption of calcium and zinc, which are necessary for the normal functioning of cells and muscles.
• Reduces blood cholesterol. This effect becomes noticeable with the systematic daily use of carob.
• Contains a large amount of fiber, which helps to cleanse the intestines with constipation, enhance its peristalsis.
• It has antioxidant properties. Carob contains a large amount of antioxidants that bind free radicals, preventing oxidation and premature aging of the body.

Such a variety of useful properties of carob are widely used for:

• diabetes treatment (as a dietary supplement, but in minimal doses),
• obesity (carob has the ability to suppress appetite, creating a feeling of fullness),
• vegetative-vascular dystonia and migraine (chocolate and cocoa are contraindicated in such patients),
• food allergy (carob does not act as an allergen, unlike chocolate).

Benefit and harm

Like any other product, carob, if used incorrectly or excessively, can harm the body. Therefore, if you have any diseases, it is better to consult a specialist before taking.

The greatest danger of a large amount of carob and products from it are for diabetics. Immediately after consuming the powder, the blood sugar level rises slightly, which is directly proportional to the amount of food eaten. Therefore, when drawing up a diet, you need to be extremely careful and take into account the amount of glucose in the blood.

The product can also cause harm in case of individual intolerance. Therefore, people who use carob for the first time need to try it first, and follow the reaction of the body. It is unlikely, but possible, and if it manifests itself, it is better to exclude the product from the diet.

The use of carob in cooking

The same powder, reminiscent of cocoa in taste and smell, is prepared from the peel of carob pods. On sale you can find powder from ground raw pods. It looks pale pink, very sweet, but the taste is far from cocoa. Lightly roasted pods produce a yellow-brown powder with a sweetish caramel flavor and a characteristic dark brown color and odor. It is not sweet, on the contrary, it is slightly bitter.

In cooking, powder is used to make the same foods as chocolate. Products differ in that they do not contain sugar. Candies, bars, carob lollipops can be used by people with diabetes and children. A variety of drinks are prepared: hot chocolate from carob, tea, liqueurs, compotes, as well as puddings, cookies, cakes, ice cream and much more.

Carob syrup has special properties. It is used for weight loss, treatment of diseases of the bronchopulmonary system, gastrointestinal tract, to normalize sleep with chronic stress and insomnia, with severe intoxication of the body. To prepare such a product, carob pods must be boiled in water. It turns out a very sweet syrup, a tablespoon of which must be mixed with a glass of boiled water, add lemon juice to taste and drink 15-20 minutes before meals. After consuming it, a person feels some satiety and eats less than the usual amount with food.

Calorie content of carob

This product is considered to be low in calories. 100 grams of carob contains only 222 kcal, which is two times less than cocoa.

Carob recipes

Chocolate muffin

For cooking, you will need 200 grams of butter, after melting, add 4 tablespoons of carob powder, 1.5 cups of sugar and half a glass of milk. Mix all ingredients, bring to a boil, then cool. At this time, extinguish 0.5 teaspoon of soda in a glass of kefir and add the mixture to the glaze. Stir and combine with two glasses of flour. Knead the dough. You can add raisins, nuts, vanillin, or cinnamon to taste. Put the dough in a muffin pan and bake at 200-220 degrees for 40-50 minutes. The cupcake is ready.

Instant sweets

Such sweets are the safest and are allowed even for children, as well as for patients with food allergies and diabetes mellitus. To prepare the sweetness, you need to melt 100 grams of cocoa butter and 50 grams of carob powder in a water bath. You should get a liquid mass. Then add 50 grams of milk powder. The resulting mixture should have the consistency of thick sour cream. To taste, you can add nuts, dried fruits to sweets. Form candies from the finished mixture, after which they can be dipped in sesame seeds or coconut. Put in the refrigerator and in an hour the sweets are ready!

Powder-based flavored drink

How to make a carob drink? Just. It is prepared by dissolving a teaspoon of the powder in boiling water or milk. Sugar can be omitted, carob itself is sweet.

Carob tea

For cooking, you need not powder, but pods. They need to be crushed, boiled in boiling water and insisted for 15-20 minutes. Tea is ready. It tastes like dried fruit compote.

Carob is a great alternative to chocolate.

It is very much appreciated by those with a sweet tooth and people for whom chocolate and cocoa are contraindicated. Indeed, in taste, it is not inferior to these products, and in terms of properties it is much more useful. Thanks to its healing properties, carob has earned a place of honor in medicine. Therefore, if there is a choice between cocoa powder and carob, give preference to the latter.

The benefits and harms of carob are an interesting question for lovers of unusual exotic products. To answer correctly, you need to understand the features and characteristics of the flour and fruits of the plant.

What is carob and where does it grow

The carob or carob is an evergreen fruit plant native to the Mediterranean. Currently, the plant is artificially cultivated in Italy, Spain, Portugal and a number of other countries.

The main value in the carob tree is represented by fruits that are actively used in cooking and home medicine. After flowering, the carob produces long, narrow, curved pods filled with seeds and juicy pulp. These pods look like horns, hence the name of the plant. The timing of the flowering of the carob tree is striking - it can bear fruit for up to 90 years in a row, and the plant's yield increases every year.

The chemical composition of carob

The fruits of the plant are appreciated not only for their pleasant taste, but also for their properties. The carob contains:

• vitamins B1 and B6;
• vitamin E;
• natural acid PP;
• calcium and phosphorus;
• iron and sodium;
• magnesium and zinc;
• manganese and selenium;
• tannins, ash and fiber.

The listed components provide the plant with medicinal and gastronomic benefits. Carob can even be used for treatment, and not just to enjoy the sweet taste.

Nutritional value and calorie content of carob

Basically, the composition of useful fruits is represented by carbohydrates, their content is about 50 g. Also in the carob there are 4.6 g of proteins and very little fat - about 0.7 g. The calorie content of dry carob is average - about 220 kcal per 100 g of product.

Why is carob useful?

Even in moderation, carob provides invaluable benefits to the body. Valuable properties are manifested in a variety of areas.

For adult men and women

The general health benefits of carob are that the product:

• improves blood quality and saves from anemia and anemia due to the increased iron content;
• helps to strengthen blood vessels and protects the heart from ailments;
• serves as a good natural diuretic, therefore, eliminates edema and benefits the kidneys;
• helps to restore the correct metabolism, cope with diarrhea and flatulence, relieves nausea;
• helps to eliminate fever and sore throat with colds and sore throats;
• strengthens vision - the carob contains a lot of vitamin B2, which is important for the prevention and treatment of cataracts;
• has a beneficial effect on potency - when using carob, male libido increases;
• relieves inflammation and pain in prostatitis and adenoma;
• protects the body from viruses and bacterial infections.

Also, carob is a good preventive measure against rickets, which is especially useful for adolescents and young people.

For the elderly

The strengthening and hematopoietic properties of carob are very beneficial for the elderly. Carob is useful for pressure surges, headaches and joint ailments. The plant has a beneficial effect on memory and brain activity, allows you to maintain clarity of mind for longer.

When losing weight

On a diet, carob is especially beneficial - it contains glucose, which dampens appetite and creates a feeling of fullness. In addition, carob is used to make chocolate and coffee. They also dampen the feeling of hunger and allow you to feel less stress from the lack of familiar tasty foods.

When using a carob, getting rid of extra pounds is faster. At the same time, losing weight women do not have the feeling that for the sake of their cherished goal, they have to give up all their favorite products.

Is carob good for children

The properties of the carob tree are quite safe for babies - carob can be safely added to baby puree. The product will be of great benefit if the child is allergic to ordinary chocolate. It will be possible to prepare a delicacy from the carob tree, and there will be no harm from this.

Attention! Since carob remains a fairly new product on the wide market, and its properties have not been fully studied, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician before introducing carob into a children's diet.

Is it possible to carob during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Manufacturers claim that small amounts of carob cannot harm pregnant women or nursing mothers. However, it is better to additionally consult with your doctor regarding the appropriateness of using the product.

During lactation, it is also necessary to carefully watch the baby's food reaction. At the first sign of allergy, carob fruits will need to be removed from the diet.

Carob with diabetes

The composition of useful carob does not contain sugar, only vegetable glucose and sucrose. Therefore, it is possible to use carob derivatives with a low glycemic index in diabetes. Carob is especially popular as a substitute for chocolate and cocoa - it tastes even more pleasant, and does not harm health. There is no addiction when using it.

In addition, in diabetes, carob helps control weight and regulates blood cholesterol levels.

Carob flour in folk medicine

Carob is mainly used in cooking and for making drinks. However, there are also medicinal recipes based on the product. In particular, two carob-based products are popular.

• For diarrhea, stir 20 g of carob in a glass of milk or warm water and add a pinch of starch. The mixture is drunk a couple of times a day, the remedy soothes the mucous membranes and has a beneficial effect on peristalsis, due to which the diarrhea quickly stops.
• For ARVI, homemade medicine is prepared in almost the same way - 20 g of carob is diluted in a glass of water. But you need to take the remedy up to 6 times a day, then the effect will come quickly.

Carob in home cosmetology

The beneficial properties of carob are also manifested in the field of beauty. Carob is used in masks with a scrub effect - such mixtures simultaneously cleanse and moisturize the skin.

Carob flour is often mixed with honey, lemon juice, fermented milk products, and other ingredients. The benefits of cosmetic products will differ depending on the specific composition of the masks. However, in any case, carob nourishes the skin with valuable minerals and vitamins B and E.

How else is carob used?

The carob fruit has a healing effect on the body. Therefore, not only simple healing cocktails are prepared from beans and flour, but also other means that allow you to improve your well-being and improve your tone.

Carob tea

Crushed carob pods are suitable for making tasty and healthy herbal tea. Brewing carob is very easy - pour a tablespoon of ground beans with a glass of hot water and wait a quarter of an hour.

This tea is drunk at will twice a day. The properties of the product are of great benefit in case of nervous overstrain, as well as relieve cold symptoms.

If desired, carob flour can be added to regular tea, it will give the drink an original taste.

Carob syrup

A healthy carob-based product is a sweet syrup made from finely chopped carob beans by evaporation. The tool can serve as a delicious dessert, but it is more often used for medicinal purposes. In particular, the syrup helps against diarrhea and nervous disorders, respiratory system diseases and insomnia. Due to its high calcium content, the syrup effectively protects bones from osteoporosis.

Carob oil

An oil with a high concentration of vitamins and minerals is produced industrially from fresh carob fruits. The oil is used to treat intestinal and gastric ailments, to calm nerves and regulate sleep. The properties of the product increase hemoglobin in the blood, therefore, taking the oil protects against the development of anemia.

However, due to the strong concentration of active elements in the composition of the oil, not everyone can use the product. The oil is prohibited for allergy sufferers and young children under 2 years of age - the product may harm them.

Locust bean gum

Gum is the gum extracted from the seeds of a plant - the product looks like a white powder and is used in cooking as a food additive. Semi-liquid mixtures with the addition of gum acquire a gel-like consistency.

Carob gum is added to ice cream and semi-finished meat products as a stabilizer; the substance can be found in cheeses, soups, sauces and mayonnaise. Carob gum improves the texture of foods, acts as a binder and thickener.

The use of carob in cooking

The unusual fruits of the carob tree and the flour obtained from them are often used in cooking, mainly in confectionery and baking. In particular, carob is used:

• as an additive for ice cream and yoghurts - carob flour is used instead of cocoa to improve the taste and texture of products;
• as a sweet dusting powder for fruit and berry desserts - here carob replaces powdered sugar;
• in the manufacture of confectionery products from dough - like cocoa, carob flour gives the dough a brown color and a sweet taste, while the structure of muffins, cakes and pies remains unchanged, and the beneficial properties increase;
• when creating dessert pastes - carob is mixed with honey and spices, butter and coconut oil;
• in the manufacture of sweets - carob is mixed with nuts, sesame seeds, berries and other ingredients, the result is a delicious delicacy that does not harm health.

Carob-based sugary drinks are popular. They are prepared in much the same way as chocolate cocktails, only instead of ordinary chocolate and cocoa, they pour carob powder with hot water or milk.

Carob recipes

Treats with carob in the composition do not need to be purchased in the store. If desired, many of them can be prepared at home, they will turn out to be no less tasty, and the properties will be completely natural.

Carob drink

The simplest recipe is a thick, sweet and aromatic drink made from quality carob. How to prepare a carob drink? There is nothing complicated in this - the recipe is about the same as that of cocoa.

1. Milk in a volume of 2 glasses is heated and 1.5 or 2 large spoons of dark carob are poured.
2. Stir the drink well, if necessary, cool it for several minutes to a temperature suitable for drinking.
3. If the consistency is too thick, dilute the sweet drink with plain water and stir again thoroughly.

Advice! A carob flour drink is very sweet on its own.

But you can still add a teaspoon of flower or linden honey to it - the benefits of the product will only increase, but there will be no harm.

Carob Chocolate Recipe

If you have crushed carob beans at home, you can make healthy natural chocolate from them, in many cases it will be more valuable for the body than purchased sweets. In addition to the carob, you only need to take a little and. Make a treat as follows:

• butter in a volume of 100 g is melted in a saucepan over low heat until it becomes completely liquid;
• the carob is poured into the oil and stirred until it completely dissolves in the oil, leaving no lumps;
• add a teaspoon of honey and a little coconut to the workpiece, mix well again;
• the resulting mass is poured into a previously prepared form of any shape, if desired, sprinkle finely chopped nuts or pieces of dried fruit on top;
• The naturally cooled workpiece is removed to the freezer and kept in it for at least an hour until the mixture is completely solidified.

Healthy homemade chocolate can be eaten in small pieces, after keeping it slightly at room temperature, otherwise the product will be too tough. At the same time, it is impossible to store chocolate from carob outside the refrigerator - it will melt, and it will become inconvenient to eat it.

Chocolate muffin with box

A simple and delicious recipe is making a soft and aromatic cake with the addition of carob flour. The advantage of the recipe is that the ingredients for it are very inexpensive, present in every kitchen.

Cooking process:

• 200 g of natural butter is melted in an enamel container and 4 large tablespoons of carob powder and sugar in the volume of one and a half glasses are poured there;
• the ingredients are poured with half a glass of milk, brought to a boil, quickly removed from the stove and set to cool;
• in a glass of kefir, quench half a teaspoon of soda, add to the warm glaze mixture;
• pour 2 cups of flour into a container and knead the dough thoroughly without leaving lumps in it;
• the workpiece is laid out in special forms for baking and removed for 50 minutes in an oven preheated to 200 ° C.

If desired, the raw dough can be flavored with cinnamon, pieces of nuts, or raisins to make the finished chocolate muffins even tastier.

Carob harm and contraindications

The health benefits and harms of carob remain an unresolved issue.

1. On the one hand, the researchers recognize that the products based on the fruits of an exotic plant are safe. So, European, American and Arab scientists did not reveal any harm in the properties of carob - beans and powder are allowed for consumption by adults and children.
2. Often, carob is even prescribed to young children as a remedy - it stops diarrhea and helps fight childhood regurgitation.
3. The recommended daily dosage of the product for adults is about 20 g. For children, the exact norms have not yet been established, but usually nutritionists and doctors advise to measure half of the "adult" volumes of the product.

However, to date, the benefits and harms of carob drinks and meals are still in the process of study and clinical research. For example, until the 100% benefit of the product in diabetes mellitus has not been proven, it has only been established that it does not harm diabetics. There is no exact information about the action of carob in combination with medicines and other medicinal plants.

Attention! Especially carefully you need to observe the reaction to the product of young children.

During pregnancy and lactation, the advisability of using carob powder should be discussed with your doctor.

How to choose a carob

In ordinary stores, carob powder is not sold; you will have to go to an institution specializing in healthy eating for it. The product can be found in three varieties - unroasted, medium roasted or light roasted. When choosing, it is recommended to pay attention to the following important points:

• country of production- natural carob is supplied from the USA, the Mediterranean and Australia;
• brand reliability- it is better to purchase an exotic product from trusted manufacturers, even if at a price it will cost a little more.

Before buying, you should evaluate the color, aroma and taste of this unusual carob powder.

1. The product, which has not been roasted, has a light nutty smell and a beige tint.
2. Medium roasted powder exudes a chocolate smell, tastes bitter, and looks like ground coffee.
3. Lightly roasted powder has a slightly sour caramel flavor and is usually light brown in color.

Medium roasted carob is suitable for most culinary and medicinal purposes. It retains enough useful properties, but it is inexpensive.

How to store carob at home

In order for the carob tree to retain its useful properties longer, after purchase it is recommended to pour the flour into a foil bag and put it in a cardboard box. Keep the product in a cool and dry place, out of direct sunlight. The valuable properties of carob are preserved for 1.5 years, after which you will need to purchase a new portion.

Unprocessed carob pods are good for consumption for 1.5-2 years. It is recommended to store them in a tightly closed glass or tin can in the dark, in conditions of low humidity.

Conclusion

The benefits and harms of carob depend on the naturalness of the exotic product. Real carob will be a valuable ingredient in baked goods and home remedies. But it is important to observe moderation in use, since any product is dangerous in too large quantities.

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