Carob

The seedpods are filled with a saccharine pulp and can be eaten both green or dried. A flour is made from them, free from sugar and starch and is suitable for baking. The pulp can be used as a chocolate substitute in cakes, drinks etc. It is rich in sugars and protein. An edible gum is extracted from the seed, a substitute for Gum Tragacanth. A stabilizer and thickening agent, it is also used as an egg substitute. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute.

Het gewicht van de zaden is vrijwel constant (200mg). Vroeger werden zij gebruikt als gewichtjes bij precisiemetingen (bijv.diamanten). Het woord karaat zou afgeleid zijn van het Oudgriekse woord keration = vrucht van de johannesbroodboom.

The pulp in the seedpods is mildly laxative. However, the pulp is also astringent and used in a decoction, will treat diarrhoea and gently help to cleanse and also relieve irritation within the gut. The seedpods are also used in the treatment of coughs.

A flour made from the seedpods is used in the cosmetic industry to make face-packs. Tannin is obtained from the bark. Wood - hard, lustrous. Highly valued by turners, it is also used for marquetry and walking sticks.