Description

Carob— or Locust Bean Gum— is processed from the seeds of the leguminous tree known as Ceratonia Siliqua, family Leguminosae. This tree is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean area and, to a smaller extent, in California. The seeds are dark, chocolate-covered pods that are 10-20 cm. long. The seed or kernel is composed of the outer husk (30-33%), the germ (23-25%), and the endosperm (42-46%). The powdered endosperm is the commercial Locust Bean Gum. The trees are harvested in late fall.

Applications

LBG can be used in ice cream manufacturing. soft cheese manufacturing, and bakery applications. It can also be used to stabilize and thicken mayonnaise and ketchup.