Carob - what is it? Drink recipes, tea, chocolate and carob candies

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Carob - what is it and how is it used in cooking? It is to the questions presented that we will devote our article.

Carob - what is this product?

Carob is a capsicum fruit of an evergreen carob tree that grows in the Mediterranean countries, namely in Italy, Spain, Cyprus and so on. Raw, this product is inedible. But when unripe, it is plucked and dried in the sun, it becomes very sweet and tasty. Outwardly, carob is not much different from ordinary cocoa powder, except for a shade of brown. However, it is richer and sweeter in taste. In addition, a significant difference between the two presented products is that packaged carob does not contain flavorings and other chemicals that are often added to cocoa powder, chocolate, etc.

It is impossible to ignore the fact that the carob tree, which gives such a useful product, is not susceptible to diseases of the tree sponge. In this regard, it is never sprayed with chemicals, which is a huge plus for the finished powder.

Historical background

In ancient Greece, carob was known as the "Egyptian fig". Such hard and smooth leguminous seeds hadabsolutely identical weight and shape. Because of this, for a long time they acted as a measure of mass under the Arabic name "carat". It should be noted that this submultiple unit of measurement is still used today (in jewelry and pharmaceuticals).

Product Features

Carob - what is this product? Having answered the question posed, you should proceed to find out whether this ingredient is he althy or undesirable to eat.

Not everyone knows, but this powder is surprisingly rich in natural dietary fiber, which has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora. In addition, unlike cocoa beans, it is much sweeter and does not require the additional use of refined sugar during the preparation of any dessert. So what are the other benefits of a product like carob? The benefits of this powder are as follows.

Firstly, it contains a huge amount of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, nickel, copper, manganese, barium) and vitamins (A, B2, B and D). At the same time, carob is 8% protein.

Secondly, the presented product significantly reduces the absorption of excess cholesterol during meals. It is also worth noting that the hypocholesterol ability of carob is 2 times stronger than that of other dietary fibers.

Thirdly, unlike cocoa and coffee, this powder does not contain psychotropic substances, namely theobromine and caffeine, which are present in all chocolate products and quite often cause allergicreactions and addiction.

Fourthly, carob (recipes with this product will be presented below) does not include such a substance as phenylthylamine, which causes migraines and headaches, as well as fromamine, which contributes to the appearance of an allergic rash, acne.

Fifthly, carob does not contain oxalic acid, which prevents the body from accumulating elements such as zinc and calcium, which are necessary for he althy skin and bones. Those who prefer a regular cocoa bar to this powder often experience acne on their faces.

Sixth, carob contains complex carbohydrates, as well as tannins. As for the first element, it makes the powder more sticky, promotes rapid absorption of liquid and acts similarly to a thickener. The tannins of this product bind toxins, and then remove them from the body.

Thus, if you hear the question: "Carob - what is this product?" - you can safely answer that this ingredient is an analogue of cocoa, but it is sweeter and more beneficial for the body.

Use in cooking

This powder is a good substitute for granulated sugar and cocoa in confectionery and chocolate products.

Carob is actively used in the manufacture of dark and white glazes, without changing their original color and smell of the final product. The use of such a product reduces the use of granulated sugar. In addition, the carob tree contains a substance called "resin", or"gum". Thanks to this element, the powder is very often used in cooking as a natural thickener and stabilizer.

On how to use carob, where to buy this product, and other information about it, you can find below.

Product cost

For the price, this powder is not much different from the usual cocoa. However, buying it is more than problematic. It is rarely delivered to ordinary supermarkets and grocery stores. What this is connected with is not clear. After all, it is much he althier, sweeter and tastier than cocoa powder. If you still want to enjoy it, it is recommended to contact specialized outlets that sell various products for home baking. In addition, you can search for carob in online stores.

Carob: recipes for various pastries and drinks

The presented product can be used not only for the preparation of various pastries and confectionery products, but also to make drinks from it. Consider a few recipes that you can use to create delicious, and most importantly - he althy - dishes.

Soft and tender chocolate cupcake

To make this pastry you will need:

• butter - 200 g;
• granulated sugar - 1 cup;
• fresh milk - 1 glass;
• thick kefir - 1 cup;
• wheat flour - 4 cups;
• carob - 4 large spoons;
• table soda - ½ dessert spoon (be sure to quench with vinegar);
• raisins - 1 cup.

Cooking process

First you need to melt the butter, add granulated sugar and carob, and then add milk and kefir. After mixing all the components together, it is necessary to put wheat flour, steamed raisins and table soda slaked with apple cider vinegar to them. As a result, you should get a not very thick base, which must be placed in greased molds and baked in the oven for at least half an hour. These chocolate muffins are very sweet, tasty and with a bright aroma of carob.

Instant Candies

To make this sweet, you need to prepare:

• pitted prunes, dates or other dried fruits - 15-25 pieces;
• carob (powder) - 4 large spoons;
• milk - 1 large spoon;
• sugar - 1 large spoon;
• butter - 10 g.

Cooking process

First, make a thick frosting. To do this, heat milk, carob, butter and granulated sugar over low heat. Next, you need to dip the purchased dried fruits into the resulting mixture, place them separately on a flat plate, and then cool in the refrigerator. By the way, if you put the made icing into a small form and just freeze it, then in the end you will get a very tasty and he althy carob chocolate.

How to make a fragrant drink?

Carob drink is prepared in much the same way as ordinary cocoa or coffee from freshly ground beans. For this yourequired:

• fresh milk with low fat content - 250 ml;
• carob powder - 1, 5 table. spoons;
• ordinary drinking water - 200 ml;
• floral or lime honey - 1 large spoon.

Cooking process

Carob (drink recipes are provided in this article) should be added to milk from the very beginning. This is necessary so that the powder loses its lumps and becomes more tasty. Thus, it is required to combine a dairy product and ordinary drinking water in a ladle or a small saucepan, and then add carob to them, put on a not very strong fire and mix thoroughly with a large spoon. After that, you should wait for the liquid to boil, pour granulated sugar into the dishes and remove it from the stove. The main thing at the same time is not to miss the moment, since the drink can very quickly and unexpectedly “run away”. Next, you need to add a spoonful of honey to the ladle and pour the drink into a large bowl. It should be served hot or slightly chilled.

How to make delicious carob tea?

Above, we described exactly how to prepare delicious drinks from such a powder product as carob. Tea from this ingredient is no less useful. Indeed, with its regular use, a person receives the charge and energy he needs. Unlike conventional tea leaves, crushed locust beans contain essential minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, sodium, zinc and manganese. In addition, the taste of this excellent tea drink is quitestrongly resembles a compote made from dried fruits. It also has a pronounced spicy and delicate aroma and a slightly perceptible sweetness. The presence of a huge amount of useful substances, minerals and vitamins in carob tea makes it indispensable in the daily diet.

Cooking process

Preparing tea from crushed carob pods is quite easy and simple. To do this, you need to take a clay or porcelain teapot, rinse it with boiling water and pour in a couple of spoons of carob. Next, the product must be poured with just boiling water, mixed with a spoon, tightly closed and left for a quarter of an hour. After that, you can safely pour tea and serve it to the table.

Useful tips for housewives

1. There is no need to look for any specific recipes in which this product can be used. After all, it is allowed to be added to any sweet pastries or confectionery. If you want to use cocoa or chocolate in them, then it's okay. These products should simply be replaced with carob, which will not affect the taste and quality of the final product.
2. As for drinks, they can be given to children without any fear. Moreover, by adding ingredients such as vanilla, honey, etc., you can achieve a richer taste and aroma.
3. It is not necessary to make tea only from crushed carob. After all, it can also be used as an additive to a black or green brew product. This method will make the tea ceremony more useful and will not leave anyone indifferent.of your guests.

In conclusion, I would like to say that carob is not a panacea and a drug. But if those people who cannot imagine life without chocolate, cocoa or coffee will use this product more often, then their he alth and well-being will improve significantly.