Botanical Name: Ceratonia siliqua

Common Name:

English: St. John's Bread
Also, known as: Carob, Sugar Pods, Locust Pods, Algaroba, Bharout, Kharnub Shaami,

Origin: Spain

Harvested: Cultivated

Parts Used: Pods

General Information:

Ceratonia siliqua is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region, and also commonly found in the south of Spain, and has been cultivated for more than 3000 years. The tree is slow-growing and drought resistant. It reaches a height of about 30-40 feet. The wood of which has a pretty pinkish hue. Leaves are glossy and pinnate with two or three pairs of oval blunt-topped leaflets, leathery texture, and color shiny dark green. Flowers in small red racemes followed by flat pods 6 to 12 inches long and fully 1-inch wide, an inch thick, a shiny dark brown purple color. They do not split open when ripe; they contain many seeds in a line along the center of the pods, each seed in a separate cell of fleshy pulp. The tree does not bear fruit for the first fifteen years. Once it begins to produce, thousands of pounds of pods can be harvested in a year.

This tree is much cultivated in dry parts because its long roots can grow deep enough in the ground to find moisture. The pods contain a large amount of mucilage and saccharine matter of pleasant flavor, and are largely employed for feeding all sorts of animals, and in time of scarcity for human consumption. In 1811 and 1812 they formed the principal food of the British cavalry during the War.

The pod pulp was fermented and made into an alcoholic drink, and the pods were roasted and ground to make flour. The powdered pods are added to foods as a thickener and stabilizer and used as a substitute for cocoa.

How to use:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herb to any super food herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, gives you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Carob Powder - Roasted