THE POTENTIAL OF THE CAROB<i>(CERATONIA SILIQUA)</i>

Abstract

SUMMARY The carob tree has great potential for restoring vegetation to degraded areas around the Mediterranean and other dry areas of the world, and for improving the productivity of lands which would be marginal for other crops. There is scope for utilising an increase in the bean harvest, by expanding the volume of existing products/uses, and by developing new products such as protein rich foods and fodders, sugar and syrup, industrial gums and alcohol. The paper includes a discussion of botanical characteristics of the carob tree and of the Mediterranean ecosystems in which it is found.