Anisacate's carob trees

 Impressive carob trees over 50 years old in Anisacate Argentina ( our partner's Dr Jose Louis Cabrera photos)

And 10 interesting facts about the carob tree:

1. The Carob tree prefers a dry climate and is native to the Mediterranean.

2. The fruit of carob is called a pod and is edible.

3. The pod not only contains many small beans, but also a semi-sweet pulp.

4. Locust bean gum is made from the pulp of the pods and used as a stabilizer, emulsifier or thickener.

5. Carob pods contain iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamins A, B2, B3 and D plus etc.

6. Carob pods can be ground into flour and used as cocoa substitute for chocolate flavoring.

7. Carob contains just 1/3rd of the calories of chocolate so great if you are on a diet.

8. Carob pods are almost fat free.

9. Carob is non-allergic-great if you are allergic to chocolate

10. Carob has various other applications including the production of cosmetic facemasks, fodder for livestock and firewood to name a few.