Carob contains small amounts of sodium and iron, and it is rich in vitamin A, the B vitamins, and many other minerals. These uniform seeds were first used by goldsmiths as measuring devices. Carob seeds are also cooked into a thick gum. Commercial uses for this gum include ink ingredients, film polishes, cosmetics, tooth paste, adhesives, etc. The seeds can be boiled in water to soften and then strung into a necklace.
Carob powder is available at many sources, including supermarkets and health food stores.
However, although pure carob is the most healthful, a variety of other ingredients are commonly added to carob, including chocolate, sugar, and cocoa. Thus, it is important for allergic individuals to ascertain that the carob they are purchasing is pure. Carob contains only traces of theobromine, the active stimulant in chocolate and cocoa. However, even theobromine is occasionally added to carob. The mature pods can be picked off the tree, or gathered from the ground, wiped clean, and eaten.