Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.)

Description

Carob is an evergreen tree or shrub from the legume family (Fabaceae). The species is botanically accepted as Ceratonia siliqua L. and is native from the Mediterranean region to Iran. It is valued for its edible pods and seeds and is well adapted to dry growing conditions.

The plant develops a dense crown, leathery pinnate leaves and small flowers arranged in raceme-like inflorescences. The fruits are elongated brown pods with sweet pulp and hard seeds. Carob pods are valuable food and feed raw materials, while ground carob is used as a naturally sweet ingredient in beverages, confectionery products, functional foods and plant-based formulas. The seeds are also used to produce locust bean gum, a thickening ingredient in food processing.

Basic Information

• Latin name: Ceratonia siliqua L.
• English name: Carob
• Parts used: pods, seeds, fruit
• Origin: depending on batch
• Raw material type: cultivated
• Harvest period: late summer to early autumn, at full maturity

Raw Material Characteristics

Mature pods are brown to reddish-brown, with a characteristic sweet taste and dense structure. The raw material is cleaned, dried and processed according to its intended use — whole, as seeds, or ground into powder / flour.

Chemical Composition

Carob contains mainly natural sugars, dietary fibre, proteins, polyphenols, tannins, minerals, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and other trace elements. The pods are also valued for their low fat content and caffeine-free profile.

Suitable for the Production of

• functional foods
• beverages and dry mixes
• confectionery products
• cocoa alternatives
• feed blends
• plant-based powders
• seed-derived thickeners

Nutritional and Functional Characteristics

Carob has the following characteristics:

• naturally sweet taste
• source of dietary fibre
• contains polyphenols and tannins
• suitable for caffeine-free products
• suitable for feed applications
• suitable for functional food formulations

Forms Available

• carob pods (Fructus Ceratoniae siliquae) – whole
• carob seeds / fruit (Semina / Fructus Ceratoniae siliquae) – whole
• carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) – ground into powder / flour

Quality and Documentation

Upon request, a Certificate of Analysis (COA), technical documentation, batch traceability and additional documents may be provided.

Inquiry

Contact us for availability, bulk quantities, samples and a custom quotation based on the required product specifications.