Introducing the Carob tree, here in Greece also found in many warm summer climates, whose benefits and usefulness are immeasurable. WebMD has all the fine details saying there is no “evidence” for medical purposes however it has been used throughout ancient times for feeding animals, making flour, boiling and drinking, and medicinally. Carob (ceratonia siliqua) in Greek “charoupi” (χαρούπι), is a hard shelled brown pod considered a sustainability product (see ResearchGate 2018 article).

The Carob tree can be male or female and traces back to Ancient Greece. Multiple vitamins, antioxidants and high fiber; it can be boiled for its juice, ground for its flour, eaten raw, or used for its seeds. Some people prefer it to chocolate as it’s caffeine free! It’s found also in syrup form, a gluten-free product and it’s fibers help weight loss, reduce blood sugar and insulin levels (see Healthline article). Supposed benefits include:

• Better control of diabetes (prediabetes) and cholesterol
• diarrhea control
• obesity
• persistent heartburn
• autoimmune diseases like Celiac disease
• sinusitis and congestion (hot Carob powder drink)
• athletic performance (chewed over several weeks), and the syrup (taken orally of course) is used to improve sperm functioning

Photos taken in Neo Oitylon, Mani Peninsula, southern Peloponnesus. A mountainous region with much stone, wind, and 🌊 sea!

Here are a few 😋 good recipe links you might like:

1. Brownies (by Thespruceeats)
2. Tsoureki (a traditional Greek Easter sweet bread) from Carob (Vicki’s Greek recipes)
3. Apple and Carob crumble cake (by Yummly)
4. Carob powder hot beverage drink (by Healthiersteps)