Its use in food, medicine and crafts is known only to a few

Carob tree It is one of those trees that many people see from a distance without imagining the huge number of uses it contains.

In Argentina, Spain and many Latin American countries, it is part of the rural landscape, but it is also part of cultural memory: it is present in home remedies, furniture and even in the modern food industry.

However, it is not always known in detail what it is used for or why its use has gained importance again in recent years.

Products are obtained from its horns, wood and even its shade and can be used for certain advantages.

Carob belongs to the genus Prosopisa group of trees from warm and semi-arid climates. The most famous types are White carob and black carob -Common in northern and central Argentina- and European carob Mediterranean Sea. “The Spaniards added the name carob when they arrived in America to refer to this tree due to its similarity to the European tree also of the family Fabaceae family“The website explains argentina.gob.ar.

It is a slow-growing, long-lived plant with deep roots that allow it to survive long periods of drought. It produces sweet, mealy bean-like pods, known as Carob.

Carob flour is one of the most widespread products: it is obtained by drying and grinding the pods, and is used as a substitute for cocoa or wheat flour. It does not contain gluten, it provides fibre, calcium, iron and natural sugars. Its sweet flavor allows you to reduce the amount of added sugar in your bread, pudding or cookie recipes.

Another common usage is “Carob coffee”: A non-caffeinated roasted infusion, recommended for those looking for milder alternatives, according to Journal of the College of Agricultural Engineering of La Plata From Argentina. In addition, fresh pods are extracted Carob honeyA thick, nutritious syrup consumed on its own or as a plant-based sweetener.

Indigenous communities already used carob A source of energy and a treatment for the digestive system. Cinnamon pulp contains tannins and compounds that help regulate intestinal flora and combat acidity. In modern nutrition it is considered a functional food: It increases satiety, regulates blood sugar, and provides antioxidants. In herbal medicine it is used to relieve mild diarrhea, gastritis and gastrointestinal inflammation.

Carob wood is hard, heavy and resistant to moisture, making it an ideal material for furniture, flooring, crafts and rustic construction. It is also used as firewood and high-performance charcoal. In the chemical and cosmetic industries, locust bean gum is used Thickener and stabilizer in creams, ice cream and pharmaceutical products.

In addition to its production value, the carob tree plays a major role in combating desertification. It fixes nitrogen in the soil, improves its structure, and provides shade in arid areasThis allows the raising of livestock and protected crops. Being a hardy native tree, it requires little irrigation and supports the balance of dry ecosystems.

In short, the carob tree serves as a food for natural medicine, as a raw material for furniture and is an environmental ally.

From flour to wood, through coffee and plant-based honey, it is a versatile resource that demonstrates that sustainability is often found in species with centuries of history.

This is it recipe From a hot and relaxing drink provided by the specialized site Italian Chef:

ingredients: 2 cups milk (possibly vegetarian) 2 tbsp. Carob powder, sweetener as desired (syrup, honey, sugar), a little salt, and optional: vanilla.

to prepare: Pour the milk, carob, sweetener and salt into a saucepan, heat slowly without boiling and stir everything until well combined. Add vanilla just before serving.