carob bean
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. The seed pod of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua): A long, brown, leathery pod containing small, hard seeds and a sweet, edible pulp. 2. A source of food and a chocolate substitute: The dried, ground pulp of this pod is used as animal feed, a human food ingredient, and a caffeine-free alternative to cocoa or chocolate.
Usage
The term "carob bean" refers specifically to the whole pod or its seeds. It is often used in contexts related to health food, animal nutrition, and as an ingredient in baking. - The recipe called for carob bean powder instead of cocoa powder. - Farmers harvest the carob beans to use as fodder for livestock.
Advanced Usage
- "Carob bean gum" or "locust bean gum" (E410): A thickening and stabilizing agent derived from the endosperm of the carob bean seeds, widely used in the food industry.
- Carob bean gum is commonly found in ice cream, sauces, and processed cheeses.
Variants and Related Words
- Carob (noun): Can refer to the tree, the pod, or the powdered product made from the pod.
- Carob chips are a popular chocolate alternative.
- Locust bean (noun): Another common name for the carob bean, especially when referring to the source of locust bean gum.
- St. John's bread (noun): A historical name for the carob bean, based on the belief that John the Baptist ate carob pods in the wilderness.
Synonyms
- Algarroba bean: A synonym used in some regions.
- Locust pod: Another term for the fruit of the carob tree.
Noun
- long pod containing small beans and sweetish edible pulp; used as animal feed and source of a chocolate substitute