Carob Tree (Ceratonia siliqua) Botanical Characteristics
Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is one of the most characteristic trees of the Mediterranean maquis, which belongs to the legume family (Fabaceae). It is easily distinguished from other fruit trees by its thick and cracking trunk, leathery hard and shiny leaves, small flowers without a crown blooming on the trunk and old branches, and a long, flat pod.
Read MoreHow to Make Carob Tea?
Carob tea is a caffeine-free and naturally slightly sweet drink prepared by steeping or boiling carob pods or cracks in water. In different regions of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, it is an old tradition to prepare carob fruit as a hot or cold drink; today, it can be easily made at home due to its simple preparation.
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Structure of the Carob Pod: Pulp and Seed Ratio
Carob fruit is a legume fruit from a botanical point of view; Although it looks like a single piece from the outside, it contains two main components with different economic value: sweet and fibrous pulp and hard-shelled seeds. In scientific sources, it is reported that the pulp makes up most of the weight of the pod, while the seed usually has a share ranging from around 10 percent to 25 percent.
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When and How to Harvest Carob?
Carob harvesting is a largely manual labor job that usually starts at the end of summer on the Mediterranean coast and lasts throughout autumn depending on the region. When the pods ripen on the tree and begin to dry, they are dropped from the branches with long poles and collected in nets or covers laid under the tree. Harvesting at the right time directly affects both the quality of the fruit and the next year's product.
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