The carob tree belongs to the legume family, it grows in the Mediterranean, Egypt and India. This evergreen plant is considered sacred by many peoples because it has a number of rare properties. The Bible refers to carob fruits as a product that is rich in nutrition and has a unique flavor. In addition, harmful insects do not start in the trunk or in the crown of the tree , which is why it is considered to have purity and holiness. It blooms in autumn, which is rare for Mediterranean plants. Beans develop from female flowers, they are brown in color, and their length reaches 12 centimeters. In addition to seeds, the pod contains juicy pulp, consisting mainly of sugary substances.
An amazing property of carob beans is that they always have the same weight of 0.2 grams, which is why in ancient times they were used as a measure of the weight (carat) of precious metals and stones.
From the pulp of fruits, carob gum was made, which was widely used in many areas.
Beneficial features
The components contained in the fruits of the carob tree have found their application in medicine and in cooking. Among the nutritional and beneficial elements, a special place is occupied by B vitamins and microelements such as potassium and calcium. In addition to them, the fruits consist of various kinds of sugars, tannins and organic substances, protein, pectins and starch. Tannins have a beneficial effect on digestion, and they also support the optimal bacterial composition of the intestinal microflora. Carob gum is an active substance in many drugs for the treatment of diseases associated with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, to prevent attacks of diarrhea and reduce nausea. Such funds can also be used in pediatrics, as they do not have special side effects on the body.
Use in cooking and food industry
Derived from fruits, locust bean gum is used in the food industry as a food supplement (E410). It plays the role of a sweetener, stabilizer and thickener, gives the finished product viscosity and, for example, in ice cream or sorbet prevents the formation of crystals and gives stability to the mass with a sharp increase in temperature. In the manufacture of flour products, gum gives the dough softness, and the finished product retains freshness for a long time, is easy to cut, does not crumble and does not become stale for a long time. In combination with other food additives, locust bean gum acquires new properties, such additives include pectin, guar and xanthan gum. From beans, the inhabitants of the Mediterranean brew a warming cold drink, it tastes like cocoa.
Application in cosmetology
Carob extract, powder and gum are widely used in the manufacture of cosmetics. Powder plays the role of a thickener and gives the necessary viscosity to the product. The extract and gum have moisturizing properties and retain moisture well, they soften and moisturize the skin. In addition, as an antioxidant, the extract actively fights against acne and removes toxins, has a stimulating and regenerating effect, which gives impetus to the growth of new cells.