Definition

Noun: A long, dark brown pod from the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), containing small, hard seeds and a sweet, edible pulp. The dried, powdered pulp is used as a chocolate substitute and as a sweetener in food products, while the whole pods are often used as animal feed.

Usage and Examples

• As a food ingredient:

  • The recipe calls for locust bean gum as a thickener.
  • Carob powder, made from the locust bean, is a popular caffeine-free alternative to chocolate.

• As animal feed:

  • Farmers in the region use dried locust beans to feed their livestock.

Advanced Usage

• "Locust bean gum": Also known as carob bean gum, this is a galactomannan polysaccharide extracted from the seeds of the carob pod. It is widely used in the food industry as a thickening, stabilizing, and gelling agent (E410).
  • Locust bean gum is commonly found in ice cream, sauces, and processed cheeses to improve texture.

Variants and Related Words

• Carob: The more common name for the locust bean tree and its pods, especially when referring to its use as a food product for humans.
• Carob powder: The roasted and ground pulp of the locust bean pod.
• Carob bean gum: A synonym for locust bean gum.

Synonyms

• Carob pod
• St. John's bread (a historical name)

Notes on Meaning

The term "locust bean" is specific to the fruit of the carob tree. It is not related to the insect called a locust. The name originates from the resemblance of the carob pod to the insect's leg or from historical translations.

Noun

1. long pod containing small beans and sweetish edible pulp; used as animal feed and source of a chocolate substitute