Carob

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Carob

Carob (/ˈkærəb/; from Arabic خَرُّوبٌ (kharrūb) and Hebrew חרוב‏ (haruv)) is a flowering evergreen tree or shrub in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is widely cultivated for its edible pods, and as an ornamental tree in gardens and landscapes. The carob tree is native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East.

Etymology

The word "carob" comes from Middle French carobe, which borrowed it from Arabic خَرُّوبٌ (kharrūb), ultimately perhaps from Akkadian language kharubu or Aramaic kharubha, related to Hebrew haruv.

Description

Carob trees can grow up to 15 metres tall. The crown is broad and semi-spherical, supported by a thick trunk with brown rough bark and sturdy branches. Its leaves are dark green and glossy and have a leathery texture. The flowers are small and numerous, spirally arranged along the inflorescence axis in catkin-like racemes borne on spurs from old wood and even on the trunk (cauliflory). The fruit is a pod that can be elongated, compressed, straight or curved, and thickened at the sutures.

Uses

Carob is used for its high dietary fiber content, and as a component of some stabilizers and thickeners. Other uses include as a substitute for chocolate, as a coffee substitute, in dog food, and in some smoking cessation products.

Related Terms

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