Carob tree
E 410 on the item declaration
The carob tree is cultivated for its 10-20 cm long, flat, dark brown pods containing about 50% sugar. The pods have a sweet, slightly cocoa-like taste and can be eaten both fresh and dried. They are also used as animal feed.
Locust bean gum is made from the seeds. It is used in the food industry as a stabiliser and thickener, and can be found in the item declarations with the code E 410.
The seeds of the carob tree were previously used as weights, since they almost always have the same weight. This unit was called “carat”, which is the Arabic word for carob.
The weight of diamonds is traditionally measured in carats. Since 1913, however, one carat has been defined as 0.2 g, and carob seeds are no longer used as a weight standard.
Facts:
- Greenhouse location: Mediterranean House
- Danish name: Johannesbrød
- Latin name: Ceratonia siliqua
- Family: Pea family / Fabaceae
- Natural habitat: The Mediterranean and the Middle East