Envoy at 13:52, 4 August 2007

2007-08-04T13:52:41Z

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{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Carob Tree
| image = Carobs.JPG
| image_caption = carob pods
| image2 = Carob tree leaf.JPG
| image2_caption = carob leaflets

| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Fabales]]
| familia = [[Fabaceae]]
| subfamilia = [[Caesalpinioideae]]
| genus = ''[[Ceratonia]]''
| species = '''''C. siliqua'''''
| binomial = ''Ceratonia siliqua''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]]
}}
The '''Carob tree''' (from [[Arabic language|Arabic]]: خروب "kharoub" and [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]: חרוב ''Charuv''), ''Ceratonia siliqua'', is an evergreen shrub or tree native to the [[Mediterranean]] region, cultivated for its edible [[seed]] pods.

== Morphology ==
This tree grows up to 10 meters tall. The crown is broad and semi-spherical, supported by a thick trunk, brown rough bark and sturdy branches. Leaves are 10–20 cm long, alternate, pinnate, and may or may not have a terminal leaflet. The [[flower]]s are a green-tinted red, small, numerous, and about 6–12 mm long. They are spirally arranged along the inflorescence axis in [[catkin]]-like [[raceme]]s borne on spurs from old wood and even on the trunk (cauliflory). The [[fruit]] is a pod which can be elongated, compressed, straight or curved, and thickened at the sutures. Carob is a member of the [[legume]] family, and as such its roots host [[bacteria]] which convert atmospheric [[nitrogen]] into [[nitrates]] which can be used by plants to make proteins.

== Habitat ==
These trees cannot withstand [[waterlogging]], although the root system is usually deep. It grows well in warm temperate and subtropical areas and tolerates hot and humid coastal areas. It is a xerophytic (drought-resistant) species, well adapted to the ecological conditions of the Mediterranean region. It is also one of the few trees present in the [[altiplano|altiplanic]] desert of [[South America]], where it is known as ''algarrobo''. Typical in the southern Portuguese region of the [[Algarve]], there it has the name ''alfarrobeira'' (for the tree), and ''alfarroba'' (for the fruit).

[[Image:Ceratonia_siliqua_g1.jpg|thumb|Carob tree]]
[[Image:Carob-Tree2.jpg|thumb|Inside of tree. Note that old pods can stay on tree for years]]

== Uses ==
Carob was eaten in [[Ancient Egyptian cuisine|Ancient Egypt]]. It was also a common sweetener and was used in the [[hieroglyph]] for "sweet" (''nedjem'').

Also known as '''[[John the Baptist|St John's]] Bread''', Carob is not a [[staple food]] in any area, but provides good sustenance during times when other crops are scarce and is a traditional feed for [[livestock]] in many areas.

In Egypt, it is used as a snack or treat. It is said to have [[laxative]] qualities. Moreover, the crushed pods are used to make a refreshing drink with a distinctive taste.

Carob is often eaten fresh, put in cakes, icing, and sometimes cookies. The seeds themselves, also known as ''locust beans'', are used as animal feed. They are also the source of [[locust bean gum]], a [[thickening agent]].

Dried carob fruit is traditionally eaten on the [[Jewish holiday]] of [[Tu Bishvat]].

Carob pods were the most important source of [[sugar]] before [[sugarcane]] and [[sugar beets]] became widely available. Nowadays, the seeds are processed for the use in [[cosmetics]], curing [[tobacco]], and making [[paper]].

Carob is often promoted as a [[health food]] alternative to chocolate; the flesh of the carob pods is occasionally claimed to taste similar to sweetened [[cocoa]], but to contain no [[theobromine]] or other [[psychoactive substance]]s and is used as a [[hypoallergenic]], drug-free substitute. Due to this, it is often ridiculed[http://www.netfunny.com/rhf/jokes/97/May/chocolate.html] and scorned by those who dislike its taste in desserts. However, it is considered non-toxic to dogs, and is used in dog treats such as Carob Chip Cookies. Mixed with [[saturated fat]]s like [[butter fat]] or [[palm oil]], it is used to make a sweet confection, considered [[chocolate]]-like by some, that is usually referred to simply as "carob." Carob is claimed to soothe the digestive tract and help with [[diarrhea]]. {{Fact|date=February 2007}}

== Other information ==
The scientific name of the carob tree derives from the [[Greek language|Greek]] ''keration'' "carob" (from ''keras'' "horn"), and [[Latin]] ''siliqua'' "pod, carob." The term "[[Carat (mass)|carat]]", the unit by which diamond weight is measured, is derived from the Greek ''keration'', alluding to an ancient practice of weighing gold and gemstones against the seeds of the carob tree. The system was eventually standardized and one carat was fixed at 0.2 grams.

In late Roman and early Byzantine times the pure gold coin known as the solidus weighed 24 carat seeds (about 4.5 grams). As a result, the carat also became a measure of purity for gold. Thus 24 carat gold means 100% pure, 12 carat gold means the alloy contains 50% gold, etc.

== See also ==
{{wikispecies|Ceratonia siliqua}}
{{commons|Ceratonia siliqua}}

* [[List of fruits]]

== References and external links ==
* [http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/carob.html Fruits of Warm Climates: Carob]
* [http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/c1/carob.asp Carob entry at Encyclopedia.com]
* [http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,carob,FF.html Carob recipes at cooks.com]
* [http://egyptian-cuisine-recipes.com/recipes/beverages/carob-locust-bean-drink-kharroob.html Recipe for making Egyptian Carob drink]
* [http://www.yogitea.com/HerbGlossary/HerbGlossary.asp?ID=68 Yogi Tea Herb Glossary]
* [http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg19025505.100&feedId=online-news_rss20 Did carob seeds allow shady diamond deals?]
* [http://balashon.blogspot.com/2006/07/carob.html Hebrew etymology of "carob"]
* [http://www.abc.net.au/landline/content/2006/s1889655.htm Landline interview of Australian carob producers]



[[Category:Fabales]]
[[Category:Arabic words and phrases]]
[[Category:Flora of Asia]]
[[Category:Edible nuts and seeds]]

Carob tree - Revision history

Envoy at 13:52, 4 August 2007