Carobs have been a favorite food of Cretans for many years. But where are the Carob Trees in Crete and how productive are they? Why is carob “the Black Gold of Crete”?
Carob Tree is one of the most common trees in Crete. It is planted everywhere, even on sidewalks in cities, because it has dense shade and requires zero care. The Strong locust trees (or ‘Xylokeraties’ in Greek) thrive in arid and rocky areas and they are quite far from each other. We will find Carob in all the Prefectures of Crete, on mountain slopes, in ravines, among the olive trees. Many years ago, the arid parts of Crete were ideal areas for the cultivation of locusts for the production of animal feed, and so today it is an important part of the island’s identity. Statistical research has shown that of the approximately 15,000 tons of locusts in our country, 80% is produced in Crete and is distributed approximately equally in the four prefectures. Carob is a long-life tree and it is an ideal crop alternative to global climate change.
In Crete there is the natural forest with Carobs, the Carob Forest, in the Prefecture of Heraklion. Specifically, the Carob Forest of the ‘Three Churches’ is located 64 km south of Heraklion, west of the settlement and the beach of the Three Churches. The slopes of the Asterousia Mountains (which end at the beach) are overgrown with large locust trees, which form an extensive sparse forest. This Carob Forest is characterized as one of the largest natural locust forests in Europe, it is the only one in the Mediterranean, while the region is considered as one of the most isolated in Europe.
We have indications that there were locusts in Crete of the Late Minoan Age (1560 – 1050 BC), as carob charcoals of this period have been found. It is known that carobs were eaten during the Turkish Occupation but also in other difficult times such as the World Wars. During the Occupation, Crete was a major exporter of locusts, mainly to Northern Greece. A significant part of the cargo that arrived in Thessaloniki was intended for the production of Carob Syrup, which was channeled to the production of halva. In the past, Cretans ate carobs as a dessert, while carob fruit is a healthy substitute for chocolate even today. In addition, locusts are used in the preparation of alcoholic beverages, but also as animal feed. Due to the multi-layered use of the locust bean but also because it has a dark brown-black color, it has been named the ‘Black Gold’ of Crete. Our grandparents remember how many products of high nutritional value were made from locusts.
The harvesting of locusts (‘trigos’ in Greek) takes place in late summer to early autumn. It basically lasts two to four weeks, depending of course on the weather. In previous years in Crete, during the harvest period of any fruit, farmers followed approximately the same procedure. So even at the carob harvest, the farmers lived in the fields with their families and in the evening they might celebrate the harvest with song and dance. The locusts were collected from the tree by sticking with reeds. This method of harvest survives even today. At the end of the harvest, the fruit was transported by port animals (mules and donkeys) to traders and locust mills, for sale and processing.
Carob products
Anti-aging day cream with Carob Honey 50ml.
Anti-wrinkle eye with Carob Honey 15ml.
Anti-wrinkle Face Serum with Carob Honey 30ml.
Balsamic Vinegar Sauce with Carob Syrup 250ml.
Balsamic sauce with carob honey.
Carob honey, which is the secret of longevity and prosperity of the Minoan era, in an innovative combination of old vinegar excellent from grapes from the Cretan land, is ready to take off your culinary creations and give a Mediterranean aroma.
Can be used in:
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Salads
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Legumes
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Marinades
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Pure in cheeses, cold meats, raw and boiled vegetables.
Balsamic Vinegar Sauce with Carob Syrup BIO 250ml.
Balsamic sauce with carob honey.
Carob honey, which is the secret of longevity and prosperity of the Minoan era, in an innovative combination of old vinegar excellent from grapes from the Cretan land, is ready to take off your culinary creations and give a Mediterranean aroma.
Can be used in:
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Salads
-
Legumes
-
Marinades
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Pure in cheeses, cold meats, raw and boiled vegetables.
Carob Breadsticks 200gr.
Carob Breadsticks
Delicious, crispy, thin Cretan breadcrumbs with carob flour. They are made using only the best materials.
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They are ideal for serving as bites, cold dishes or dips and perfect as a snack.
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They do not contain artificial additives.
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No sugar.
Carob honey with petimezi 120gr.
PROPERTIES
The calcium that carob honey contains to a large extent plays a decisive role in many body functions:-in the structure and strength of bones and teeth - transmission of nerve messages -function of the heart -muscle contraction and relaxation -necessary for blood clotting -function of various metabolic enzymes For this and its use you recommend to:-pregnancy period, -cases of osteoporosis, -all the period of proper and natural development of your children, -cases of poor bowel function. Include carob honey in your diet and everyday life, with two teaspoons a day, which is enough to soon see its beneficial effects. You can use it as a natural sweetener in tea, yogurt, cakes, ice cream as a syrup or anything else you want as a supplement. Components: grape syrup 20%, carob syrup 80%
Carob Jam 210gr.
Carob mini Rusk 300gr.
mini Carob Rusk
The Cretan carob nut is a ptraditional Greek bakery product, with carob flavor.
Contains only natural ingredients, such as water, olive oil, high-quality flour and carob powder, without preservatives and additives.
It has nutritional value with many health benefits. It is rich in fiber and has all the ingredients for a proper nutritional diet.
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It is of small size,
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slightly sweet,
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carob flavor and
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sprinkled with sesame seeds.
You can serve them together with other cookies and biscuits when drinking/serving coffee, tea or plain milk. It can be eaten plain or with any coating, such as tomato, cheese, pickles, olives, etc.
It is an ideal supplement for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
No added sugar. Components: flour, barley, carob flour, salt, yeast, sesameCarob mini sweet Rusk 300gr.
Sweet Rusk
The sweet Cretan carob nut, is a traditional Greek bakery product, made of hard bread, with carob flavor.
Our nut contains only natural ingredients, such as water, olive oil, high quality flour and carob powder, without preservatives and additives.
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It has nutritional value with many health benefits.
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It is rich in vegetable fiber and has all the ingredients for a proper nutritional diet.
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It is of small size,
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slightly sweet,
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flavored with carob and sprinkled with sesame.
You can accompany them together with other cookies and biscuits when drinking/serving coffee, tea or plain milk. Consume plain or with any coating, such as tomato, cheese, pickle, olives etc.
It is an ideal supplement for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Components: wheat flour, wholemeal barley flour, carob flour, carob honey, salt, sugar, yeastCarob Pasta Fusilli 500gr.
Carob Pasta Penne Rigate 500gr.
Carob Powder 300gr.
INGREDIENTS: CAROB IN POWDER STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep in a room temperature in dry and shaded place








Carob Powder BIO 300gr.
INGREDIENTS: CAROB IN POWDER STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep in a room temperature in dry and shaded place









Carob Shortbreads 300gr.
Carob drops.
Our carob dips are perfect for your breakfast.
Does not contain additives, preservatives, artificial flavors and artificially modified organisms.
They are high in fiber and have all the ingredients for a nutritionally balanced snack .
They have a rich, unique flavor due to the combination of carob powder, almonds and raisins. Suitable for accompanying coffee and is an ideal companion for any time of the day.
Components: whole milled barley flour, 70% type flour, sunflower oil, sesame, sugar, carob flour, carob honey, raisins, almonds, peanuts, grape syrup,baking powder, ammonium bicarbonate (bulking agents) strong>Carob Syrup 350gr.
INGREDIENTS: Carob, Water STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep in a room temperature in dry and shaded place








Carob Syrup ΒΙΟ 350gr.
INGREDIENTS: Carob, Water STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep in a room temperature in dry and shaded place









Carob Tea 300gr.
INGREDIENTS: Carob in pieces STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep in a room temperature in dry and shaded place








Carob Tea BIO 300gr.
INGREDIENTS: Carob in pieces STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep in a room temperature in dry and shaded place









Carobites 180gr.
Caroffee 300gr.
INGREDIENTS: CAROB IN POWDER STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep in a room temperature in dry and shaded place








Caroffee BIO 300gr.
INGREDIENTS: CAROB IN POWDER STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep in a room temperature in dry and shaded place









ChocoCarob Σοκολάτα γάλακτος χαρουπιού ΒΙΟ 90γρ.
- High content of dietary fiber
- Gluten free
- Without preservatives & dyes
- Rich in flavonoids and polyphenols
Delicarob (carob spread) 300gr.
Handmade Carob Soap 100-115gr.
Handmade Carob Soap with Aloe Vera 100-115gr.
Locust Bean Gum (E410) 150gr.
Raw Carob Flour 300gr.
INGREDIENTS: CAROB IN POWDER STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep in a room temperature in dry and shaded place








Raw Carob Flour BIO 300gr.
INGREDIENTS: CAROB IN POWDER STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep in a room temperature in dry and shaded place









Raw Carob Syrup 350gr.
INGREDIENTS: Carob, Water STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep in a room temperature in dry and shaded place








Raw Carob Syrup BIO 350gr.
INGREDIENTS: Carob, Water STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep in a room temperature in dry and shaded place








Recipe book with Carob
Whole Carob 300gr.
Caffeine-free - Gluten Free - No preservatives or additives – Naturally sweet – Lightly roasted - 100% Cretan carob
Carob is a nutritionally complete fruit and its nutritional value is remarkable. It is rich in fibers, polyphenols and tannins which provide its antioxidant properties. Although it is rich in natural sugars,it islowin calories, fat, gluten-free andcaffeine free. Carob is rich in vitamins A,B and D, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, carbohydrates, protein, magnesium, and various metals. It is consumed raw as a fruit. Be careful with the hard pods.INGREDIENTS: Whole Carob STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep in a room temperature in dry and shaded place








Whole Carob BIO 300gr.
Caffeine-free - Gluten Free - No preservatives or additives – Naturally sweet – Lightly roasted - 100% Cretan carob
Carob is a nutritionally complete fruit and its nutritional value is remarkable. It is rich in fibers, polyphenols and tannins which provide its antioxidant properties. Although it is rich in natural sugars,it islowin calories, fat, gluten-free andcaffeine free. Carob is rich in vitamins A,B and D, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, carbohydrates, protein, magnesium, and various metals. It is consumed raw as a fruit. Be careful with the hard pods.INGREDIENTS: Whole Carob STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep in a room temperature in dry and shaded place








