Carob chocolate properties and recipe

Recipe and benefits of carob chocolate

CAROB HOT CHOCOLATE NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS

What is carob hot chocolate?

Carob hot chocolate is a recipe without cocoa, which is made from very simple and serves as a substitute of hot chocolate. It is suitable, for example, when the stimulating effect of cocoa or as a natural sweet drink is not interesting.

Benefits of carob hot chocolate

Among the benefits that carob has, mainly in relation to cocoa, we have:

• Carob is easier to digest, low in fat and protein. While cocoa contains 20% fat, carob has less than 1%

• Carob improves digestive health by its antioxidant properties, its soluble fiber and its prebiotic effect

• It is very rich in calcium. Two teaspoons of carob provide almost 100mg of calcium, a considerable amount. In addition this calcium is accompanied by magnesium.

  

  Photo of carob bean chocolate (without cocoa), prepared according to the recipe of this article

Does carob have too much sugar?

It is NOT true that carob contains too much sugar so that it is harmful. Looking at the composition of the carob flour, we see that it contains almost half of sugars (45%), which might suggest that it is a sugar rich food. However, sugar from natural foods should not be confused with refined sugar.

Carob sugars are not harmful because they are accompanied by a very high fiber content (40%), which regulates the assimilation of hydrates and causes a low glycemic index.

In addition, this same fiber helps to lower cholesterol and improve the composition of the microbiota or intestinal flora. For all this, it can be said that people with diabetes can eat carob daily.

* More information: Carob for diabetes

CAROB HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE

Ingredients for carob hot chocolate

• 2 teaspoons of carob flour per cup
• Vegetable drink enriched with calcium or milk

Preparation of carob hot chocolate

• Measure the amount of vegetable drink and pour practically all the liquid in a pot, which will be heated.
• While heating the vegetable drink, dilute the carob aside, in a cup, with a little drink at room temperature or warm. If the milk is very cold it will be more difficult to dilute, but in general, unlike cocoa, carob dissolves well in cold or temperate liquids, without causing lumps.
• Once we have diluted the carob, we pour it along with the milk, in the fire. Carob thickens best when heated slightly (its fiber acquires a more gelatinous consistency when giving it temperature)
• Reduce the intensity of the fire and stir until the desired thickness is reached.
• At this time, some people add honey, cinnamon powder, sugar, maca powder, liquid stevia or other sweeteners, although it is not essential.

  

  Photo of hot chocolate from carob with cacao

Drink cacao with carob, doubly rich !!!

It is true that carob is very nutritious, but we can not forget the great properties of pure cocoa powder, which is very rich in magnesium, potassium and antioxidants.

For this reason, the combination of cocoa and carob is doubly rich and beneficial. Carob is the best natural sweetener we can add hot chocolate.

The ratio would be 2 teaspoons cocoa and 1 carob, although according to tastes, it may vary.

Carob tree as a substitute for chocolate

Today, carob is used as a substitute for chocolate, as it is a sweet and delicious alternative, which lacks the stimulating properties of cocoa.

More recipes and information on carob.

Written by Editorial Botanical-online team in charge of content writing

2 August, 2021