On this page, carob refers to the edible fruit of the carob tree. The carob tree is native to the Mediterranean, cultivated for its edible pods that contain a sweet pulp. This pulp can be eaten fresh or dried and ground into powder form.
Carob has a similar taste to chocolate, and similar in consistency and taste. However, carob is lower in fat, caffeine-free, and naturally sweeter then chocolate. Consequently, carob is often used as a healthy alternative to chocolate.
Carob Tree Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Fabales
- Family: Fabaceae
- Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
- Genus: Ceratonia
- Species: Ceratonia siliqua
