Locust Beans are widely known as Carob Pods and are available as broken (kibbled) pieces. The Locust Bean has a high tannin content, is very sweet and has a slightly chocolate flavour. Locust Beans have been found to inactivate e.coli bacteria and promote the development of a well balanced bacteria population. Locust trees have been grown around the Mediterranean for thousands of years. The tree itself is an evergreen and produces carob pods up to the size of 15cm long. The Locust Beans are harvested during September and October each year. The kernels from the pods are separated and used for the production of locust bean gumThis gum is used around the world as a thickening agent and stabiliser in many food products such as mayonnaise and within the textile industry as a print thickener.
