Carob Bean (Ceratonia siliqua) These smell similar to Vanilla Bean. The pods contain about 90% fruit (known as kibble) and 10% seed. The kibble has a high sugar content of 35 to 50% and can be used as stock food or as a feed additive. It can also be used for human consumption in the form of ground powder or syrup. Both the powder and syrup can be used as a flavouring in drinks, confectionery, cakes and biscuits. Carob seed is used for the production of carob gum, a galactomannan, which is used as a high quality thickener in food products such as ice cream, desserts and soups. In 1811, these pods were the principle food of the British Cavalry, and they have been much used for cattle fodder. At one time, the seeds were in high demand by chemists, as singers thought that they cleared the throat. The seeds were even once used by jewelers as the original carat weight. Even medicinal uses have been found for the pods, with laxative and demulcent qualities being associated with them. The main constituents of Carob Bean are large carbohydrates and tannins. They may also bind to (and thereby inactivate) toxins and inhibit growth of bacteria. The pods are rich in protein & sugar, and have often been proclaimed "wholesome for man or beast". The pulp of Carob is a valuable sweetener and popular chocolate substitute, and the seeds have even been roasted as a coffee substitute. The seeds & pods can be fermented and distilled, with the drink retaining the appealing flavor of the pods. The ground-up Carob seeds produce a protein rich flour that contains no starch or sugar, and is ideal for diabetics. Additionally, the ground kernel endosperm of pods are sometimes made into a flour, used in making preserves, juices, liqueurs, as an ingredient in cosmetics, and a flavoring substance for cigarettes. Carob is an additive in breakfast foods such as jams, marmalades, and yogurt. Tannin-rich Carob has been used successfully in the treatment of acute-onset diarrhea. Trivia: Because Carob seeds are all the same size, they were once used as weights in eastern Mediterranean countries (the word "carat" comes from the Arabic name of the seeds). SLYcrafts also sells Cap-M-Quik & gel caps. ~*~..... ~*~*~*~*~ ~*~ As always SLYcrafts packages with TLC & Fair Shipping . USA only ~*~ ~*~*~*~*~