Supply Chain in the Carob Sector: From Garden to Factory
Behind a pack of carob powder or a kilo of carob gum; There is a long chain starting from the forest or garden where the tree is located, passing through the collector, intermediary, crushing plant, gum producer and exporter. Since carob is a product largely collected from natural trees, the first links of this chain work quite differently from other fruits.
Read MoreCarob 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 More
What Is Carob Germ Meal (Seed Protein)?
Carob kernel is not only the source of carob gum. The embryo (germ) part of the kernel, located between the endosperm, is a protein-rich fraction and when ground, a raw material called "carob germ meal" is obtained. This flour occurs as a by-product of carob gum production.
Read More
How to Grow Carob from Seed?
Carob seeds actually germinate easily; however, since they have a very hard and waterproof shell, germination is both low and irregular when planted without pre-treatment. The germination rate can be significantly increased with simple methods such as slightly abrading the shell or applying hot water.
Read MoreCarob Products Guide: Which Product Is For What?
Carob is one of the rare agricultural products that can produce a large number of products from a single fruit. Powder, broken, molasses and extract from the fleshy part of the fruit; flour rich in gum and protein from the seed; honey produced by bees is obtained from the flowers. This diversity can also make it difficult to choose the right product.
Read More
Carob Seed: Structure, Locust Bean Gum (E410), Uses and Sales
The carob seed is a small part of the pod by weight, yet economically its most valuable: its endosperm yields locust bean gum (carob bean gum, E410), one of the food industry's key natural thickeners. In this guide we explain, with sources, the structure of the seed, how the gum is produced, its uses, germ meal, the truth behind the carat legend, the seed market and what to check when buying.
Read More