code: 936
for pod production as it is widely cultivated for its edible pods
Family: Fabaceae
Common name: Carob, St John’s Bread
Plant Classification: Half hardy tree Half hardy shrub
Minimum Height: 3.0 meters
Maximum Height: 15.0 meters
Packet Content(approx.): 6 large seeds
These long-lived trees, native to the Mediterranean areas and into the Middle East, have dense foliage which is shiny, green, round and leathery, new growth being bronze coloured. In summer, male and female flowers open on different trees (dioecious), and as a rule planting at least five trees will usually guarantee at least one of each sex, for pod production as it is widely cultivated for its edible pods, and also as an ornamental tree in gardens. The ripe, dried pod is often ground to carob powder which is used as a substitute for cocoa powder. The word Carat, a unit of purity for gold alloys, was derived from the word carob, due to the uniformity of the seed size.
Sowing advice:
Treat seeds with hot water followed by a 3 day soak. Seeds are best sown about 1 cm. deep and kept at around 20C, and as a rule they germinate in 20 to 30 days but may take much longer.
Uses:
Fruit is used for both human nutrition as well as animal feed. It is rich in protein, carbohydrates and low level of fat. It also has Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron, Manganese, Potassium, Copper, Barium, Nickel, Copper and Vitamins such as B, A, D, B3 and B2. Carob is free from caffeine, oxalic acid and bromine, tyramine and nylthylamine. Carob has antioxidants in the form of polyphenols. It has a meaningful role on human health. The natural thickening substance obtained from endosperm which is used as confectionery. It is also used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, Carob is a multipurpose tree which helps to prevent soil erosion.
It will be effective in :
Digestive health
Promote healthy cholesterol
Antioxidant activity
Cytotoxic activity
Treat diarrhea
Diabetes treatment
Lose weight
Treat polio and osteoporosis
Cure for common cold
