Please note: Raw carob is not as sweet as roasted carob. Carob powders that are brown or dark brown have been roasted and are not raw. Foods Alive carries both varieties, so choose your preference carefully. Carob tree cultivation dates back to historic times. An evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean, it is part of the legume family. The tree produces an edible seeded fruit pod that the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans are said to have eaten raw for natural sweetness. The carob pods are ground into a powdered form and used as a popular chocolate substitute. Rich in B vitamins and minerals, it has only one-third the calories of cacao, and it is virtually fat-free. Carob is also free from the stimulants caffeine and theobromine found in cacao. Carob contains a wealth of minerals like copper, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and selenium. It is especially rich in calcium and iron and contains essential nutrients like vitamins A, B2, B3, B6 and D. Carob flour is an excellent source of natural dietary fiber, with two grams of fiber per tablespoon of flour and contains pectin, a beneficial fiber that aids the elimination of toxins. In traditional medicine, carob was often used to treat diarrhea. It can still be used as a natural remedy for this purpose, with a dosage of 15 grams per day for children and at least 20 grams per day for adults. Because of its pleasant taste, most children will take carob readily when mixed in warm cereal or applesauce. Carob can be substituted for cocoa powder in any recipes. Instead of coffee for your morning pick-me-up, add this delicious powder into your next tea, smoothie, nut milk, juice, or dessert. Carob lowers the glycemic index of foods it is mixed into, making it easy to create delicious and healthy shakes, cakes, truffles, fudge, and more. Country of Origin: Australia