Aflatoxin and Food Safety in Carob Consumption
Aflatoxins are compounds produced by some types of mold and are among the most monitored natural contaminants in terms of food safety. This issue is also important for carob, as products stored by drying, such as dried fruits, nuts and grains, carry the risk of mold in unsuitable conditions.
Read MoreFighting Carob Moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae)
Carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae, better known as carob moth in Turkey, is the most important pest encountered by carob in the garden and storage. Its larvae feed inside the pods, contaminating the fruit and reducing its commercial value. Moreover, this moth causes damage not only to carob, but also to many products such as pomegranates, citrus fruits, figs, dates and almonds.
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Carob Diseases and Pests
Carob is a tree that has been grown with little care in the Mediterranean basin for centuries and is generally known as "disease and pest resistant". This reputation is largely true; however, this does not mean that the tree does not face any problems. Leaf diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot, wood rot in old trees, root rot in some soils, and especially the carob moth, which damages the fruit, are the main issues to be considered in the garden and storage.
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Quality Standards in Carob Exports
When exporting carob, the first thing buyers look at is often not the price, but the quality specification of the product. Humidity, foreign matter, mycotoxins, infestation and microbiological values are the main criteria that determine whether a batch will be accepted or not.
Read MoreHow to Dry and Store Carob Fruit?
Carob is a fruit that loses water spontaneously while ripening on the tree and can be stored for a long time under the right conditions. However, this durability depends on the correct management of humidity, temperature and storage hygiene after harvest. Pods that are inadequately dried or kept in a humid environment increase the risk of mold, loss of quality and insect damage.
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