Carob: a delicious and surprisingly nutritious superfood

With endless nutritional properties, the fruit of the carob tree continues to surprise for its quality and flavor. Learn all about this Peruvian superfood.

Carob is a Peruvian superfood and is the fruit of its tree, the carob tree. In Peru this tree is known as huarango and is a very appreciated species in the northern coast. Its wood and nutritious fruit make it a multipurpose tree, compared to other species.

This fruit grows predominantly in the departments of Lambayeque, La Libertad and Piura, in dry forest areas. Its tree can reach up to 20 meters and its crown can reach up to 15 meters in diameter. It is imposing and enormous. In addition, its wood is used when building houses in rural areas, for doors, fences, tables, benches and more. The leaves, known as fist, are used as fodder to feed pigs and sheep, because sometimes they replace wheat bran.

However, the protagonist is the carob, because it is a true superfood, mainly for its nutritional properties that strengthen the immune system, especially in this season of covid-19. This product, with a sweet and fleshy pulp, measures approximately 20 cm, but can reach up to 30 cm.

Its taste is sweet and pleasant, and most important are its nutrients. Carob has B complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6 and B9), C and E complex. It also has magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, selenium, iodine and potassium, minerals that contribute to health. This food also provides fiber, glucose and fructose. Lots of energy!

Thanks to these nutrients, its consumption is recommended especially in stages of growth, pregnancy and breastfeeding or for those who do sports. Because it is highly energetic, it benefits the functioning of the immune system by preventing various diseases, as it protects the body.

From this superfood, the famous carob can be obtained. This is a honey that acts as a natural energizer, due to its high protein content. It is often used to fight diseases caused by anemia and malnutrition. It is part of the diet of athletes, pregnant women, children and older adults.

But there is even more! Carob, consumed as an infusion, is an excellent diuretic and can improve gastrointestinal problems. It is antidiarrheal and laxative. In addition, by boiling its leaves, it can alleviate symptoms of bronchitis. Amazing!

This powerful and awesome superfood continues to surprise many people who have not discover it yet. We are sure they will be amazed. Peru is full of products with super-nutritious properties and, best of all, they are delicious!