History

Carob has a long history in human consumption. The Greek Theophrastus recorded in 4BC that his fellow Greeks called the carob the Egyptian Fig. There is also evidence that Ancient Egyptians used carob. Both the pods and seeds have been found in Egyptian Tombs. Further, the Romans ate the Carob pods when they were green and fresh for their natural sweetness. Thus, Carob is no newly discovered food. As the founder of Creta Carob, Elias Manousakas states “It is the lost treasure of Crete”.

Carob from Crete

In Crete, the carob trees thrive in difficult soils and like arid conditions that are naturally free of fungus and pests. Thus, the uses of chemical sprays are not necessary on Crete Island. The tree grows 15 m in 50 years. It does not bear fruit for the first 15 years. However, once fruiting, it will yield one ton of beans in one harvest. Carob pods are harvested in the middle of September. The growing carob pods look like green broad beans but they turn to a dark glossy brown as they age. Each pod can contain up to 15 seeds.

Health aspects

Carob is up to 8% protein. It contains Vitamins A, B, B2, B3 and D. It is high in Calcium, phosphorus, pottasium, Magnesium and contains Iron Manganese, and Copper. We are offering carob products in different shapes and sizes.

• Our final products correspond to the regulations of the European Union and received the bio qualification in Greece and in the European Eunion from TUV Austria, the Organisation of Testing and Certification of Organic Products.
• Carob is a healthy alternative to cocoa.
  Carob, unlike cocoa, is free from caffeine and theobromine, that are both stimulants.
• Also, carob does not contain amine and phenylethylamine which can trigger migraines and allergic reactions.
• It has no oxalic acid which prevents the body using calcium and zinc.
• Oxalic acid in cocoa may be connected to the onset of spottiness in some teenagers eating larger amount of chocolate.
• Carob is gluten free thus it is a great treat for those who suffer from a condition called celiac disease.
• All of our carob products are gluten free, high in protein and low in fat.
• They contain twice as much calcium than dairy milk.
• They are rich in Vitamins A, B, B2, B3 and D and offer many traces of minerals.
• They aid digestion, lower cholesterol levels, relieve diarrhoea in infants and adults, relieve asthma (whether or not caused by allergies), act as an expectorant, are caffeine free, ease coughs and colds, contain Gallic acid, and help prevent polio.
• Also, carob is known to increase libido and number of sperm cells.