Ceratonia siliqua, Carob tree, St John's-bread, Locust bean

The Carob is a typical Mediterranean plant that is found only in warmer regions of southern Europe (around the Mediterranean), in North Africa and the Middle East.

The tree is very drought resistant and grows along with the typical representatives of Mediterranean forests (ie. Maquis). It develops a strong root system and therefore could withstand high summer temperatures, as well as major droughts.

Locust bean is used to produce flour by grinding of the seeds. The flour is popular as a substitute for cocoa and ground for preparation of chocolate-like desserts.

The locust beans contain a lot of calcium. They contain up to three times more calcium than the chocolate, but with approximately 40% fewer calories. Vitamin B1 is as in strawberry, and there is a lot of vitamin A. They also contain vitamin B2, calcium, magnesium, potassium and trace elements like iron, copper, nickel, manganese and chromium. The carob is also popular with its therapeutic effect on diarrhea and helps with nausea, vomiting and indigestion.

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