Carob - what is it and how is it used in cooking? It is to the issues presented that we will devote our article.
Carob - what is this product?
Carob is the leguminous fruit of an evergreen carob tree that grows in Mediterranean countries, namely in Italy, Spain, Cyprus, and so on. In raw form, this product is inedible. But after it is ripened and dried in the sun in an unripe form, it becomes very sweet and tasty. Externally, carob is not much different from ordinary cocoa powder, except perhaps a shade of brown. However, to taste it is more intense and sweet. In addition, the significant difference between the two products is that packaged carob does not contain flavors and other chemicals that are often added to cocoa powder, chocolate and so on.
One cannot ignore the fact that the carob tree, which gives such a useful product, is not susceptible to diseases of the wood sponge. In this regard, it is never sprayed with chemicals, which is a huge plus for the finished powder.
History reference
In ancient Greece, carob was known as the "Egyptian fig." Such hard and smooth leguminous seeds had an absolutely identical weight and shape. Thanks to this, they have long acted as a measure of mass under the Arabic name "carat". It should be noted that this fractional unit of measure is used today (in jewelry and pharmaceuticals).
Product Features
Carob - what is this product? After answering the question posed, it is necessary to proceed to clarify the fact whether this ingredient is useful or undesirable to eat.
Not everyone knows, but this powder is surprisingly rich in natural dietary fiber, which has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora. In addition, unlike cocoa beans, it is much sweeter and during the preparation of any dessert does not require additional use of refined sugar. So what are the other benefits of a product like carob? The beneficial properties of this powder are as follows.
Firstly, it contains a huge amount of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, nickel, copper, manganese, barium) and vitamins (A, B2, B and D). At the same time, carob is 8% protein.
Secondly, the presented product significantly reduces the absorption of excess cholesterol during meals. It is also worth noting that the hypocholesterol ability of carob is 2 times stronger than that of other dietary fibers.
Thirdly, unlike cocoa and coffee, such a powder does not contain psychotropic substances, namely theobromine and caffeine, which are present in all chocolate products and quite often cause allergic reactions and addiction.
Fourth, carob (recipes with this product will be presented below) does not include a substance such as phenyltilamine, which causes migraines and headaches, as well as framamine, which causes the appearance of an allergic rash, acne.
Fifth, oxalic acid is absent in carob , which prevents the body from accumulating elements such as zinc and calcium that are necessary for healthy skin and bones. Those who prefer a regular cocoa bar to this powder often face acne on their faces.
Sixth, carob contains complex carbohydrates, as well as tannins. As for the first element, it makes the powder more sticky, contributes to the rapid absorption of liquid and acts similarly to a thickener. The tannins of this product bind toxins, and subsequently remove them from the body.
Thus, if you hear the question: "Carob - what is this product?" - you can safely answer that this ingredient is an analogue of cocoa, but is more sweet and healthy for the body.
Cooking Application
Such a powder is a good substitute for granulated sugar and cocoa in confectionery and chocolate products.
Carob is actively used in the manufacture of dark and white glazes, without changing their original color and smell of the final product. The use of such a product reduces the use of granulated sugar. In addition, the siliculose fruit of the carob contains a substance called “gum” or “gum”. Thanks to this element, the powder is very often used in cooking as a natural thickener and stabilizer.
About how to use carob, where to buy this product, and other information about it, you can find out a little below.
Product cost
For the price, this powder does not differ much from the usual cocoa. However, buying it is more than problematic. It is extremely rare to bring it to ordinary supermarkets and grocery stores. What it is connected with is not clear. After all, it is much healthier, sweeter and tastier than cocoa powder. If you still want to feast on him, it is recommended to contact specialized outlets where various products for home baking are sold. In addition, you can search for carob in online stores.
Carob: recipes for various pastries and drinks
The presented product can be used not only for the preparation of various pastries and confectionery, but also to make drinks from it. Consider a few recipes that you can use to create delicious, and most importantly - wholesome - dishes.
Soft and delicate chocolate muffin
To prepare such baking, you will need:
- butter - 200 g;
- granulated sugar - 1 cup;
- fresh milk - 1 cup;
- thick kefir - 1 cup;
- wheat flour - 4 cups;
- carob - 4 large spoons;
- table soda - ½ dessert spoon (be sure to quench with vinegar);
- raisins - 1 glass.
Cooking process
First you need to melt the butter, pour sugar and carob, and then add milk and kefir. After mixing all the ingredients together, they need to put wheat flour, steamed raisins and table soda, slaked with apple cider vinegar. As a result, you should get a not very thick base, which must be placed in oiled tins and baked in the oven for at least half an hour. Such chocolate muffins are very sweet, tasty and with a bright aroma of carob.
Instant candy
To make such a sweetness, it is necessary to prepare:
- pitted prunes, dates or other dried fruits - 15-25 pcs.;
- carob (powder) - 4 large spoons;
- milk - 1 large spoon;
- sugar - 1 large spoon;
- butter - 10 g.
Cooking process
For starters, make a thick glaze. This requires warming milk, carob, butter and granulated sugar over low heat. Next, in the resulting mixture, it is necessary to dip the acquired dried fruits, separately place them on a flat plate, and then cool in the refrigerator. By the way, if you put the glaze made into a small mold and just freeze it, then in the end you will get very tasty and healthy chocolate from carob.
How to make a fragrant drink?
Carob drink is prepared in almost the same way as regular cocoa or coffee from freshly ground beans. To do this, you will need:
- fresh milk of low fat content - 250 ml;
- carob powder - 1.5 table. spoons;
- ordinary drinking water - 200 ml;
- flower or linden honey - 1 large spoon.
Cooking process
Carob (drink recipes are presented in this article) should be added to milk from the very beginning. This is necessary in order for the powder to lose its lumps and become more tasty. Thus, it is required to combine the milk product and ordinary drinking water in a ladle or small saucepan, and then add carob to them, put on a not very strong fire and mix thoroughly with a large spoon. After this, wait until the liquid boils, pour sugar into the dishes and remove it from the stove. The main thing at the same time is not to miss the moment, since the drink can very quickly and unexpectedly “run away”. Next, add a spoonful of honey to the dipper and pour the drink into a large bowl. Serve it to the table in a hot or slightly chilled form.
How to make delicious carob tea?
Above, we described how to prepare delicious drinks from a powder product such as carob. Tea from this ingredient is no less useful. Indeed, with its regular use, a person receives the necessary charge and energy. Unlike conventional infusion, the crushed carob bean fruits contain such essential minerals as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, sodium, zinc and manganese. In addition, the taste of this excellent tea drink is very much like a compote made from dried fruits. It also has a pronounced spicy and delicate aroma and a subtle sweetness. The presence in carob tea of a huge amount of useful substances, minerals and vitamins makes it indispensable in the daily diet.
Cooking process
Making tea from crushed carob pods is quite easy and simple. To do this, take a clay or porcelain teapot, rinse it with boiling water and pour a couple of spoons of carob. Next, the product must be poured just boiling water, mix with a spoon, close tightly and leave for a quarter of an hour. After that, you can safely pour tea and serve it to the table.
Useful tips for housewives
- There is no need to look for any specific recipes in which this product can be applied. After all, it is allowed to add it to any pastry or pastry. If you want to use cocoa or chocolate in them, then it's okay. These products should simply be replaced with carob, which does not affect the taste and quality of the final product.
- As for drinks, they can be given to children without any fear. Moreover, adding to them ingredients such as vanilla, honey, etc., you can achieve a more intense taste and aroma.
- It is not necessary to make tea only from crushed carob. After all, it can also be used as an additive to a black or green tea product. This method will make the tea ceremony more useful and will not leave indifferent any of your guests.
In conclusion, I want to say that carob is not a panacea and a drug. But if those people who can not imagine life without chocolate, cocoa or coffee, begin to use this product more often, then their health and well-being will improve significantly.