## 1 Introduction  
_Ceratonia siliqua_ L., also known as carob, belongs to the Fabaceae family, and it has been grown for numerous purposes such as reforestation, animal feeding, pharmacological uses, and, in some cases, human nutrition [1,2]. carob trees are recognized for their tolerance to dry in semi-arid conditions, as well as their ability to thrive in various types of soil [2,3]. Originally from the Mediterranean region and Northern Africa, carob is a native species of the Mediterranean countries, such as Lebanon, Greece, Spain, and Morocco. carob has had an important interest in the past that continues nowadays [4]. In the past, carob was a staple food, especially during times when other crops were in short supply. Its adaptability to different climates made it widely distributed in the Mediterranean basin and considered a dependable food source, adding to its historical significance as a staple food [3,5]. An estimated average of 56,639 tons of carob were produced worldwide in 2022 (FAOSTAT), with Europe accounting for 58.6% and Africa for 22% (FAOSTAT). Notably, Portugal, Italy, Morocco, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Lebanon, Algeria, Tunisia, and Croatia stand as the first major carob producers (FAOSTAT). Specifically, among the European countries, Portugal accounted for approximately 28.99% of the total production of carob (FAOSTAT). Carob fruits can be defined as the mature pods of the _Ceratonia siliqua_ tree, containing both pulp and seeds. Whereas, carob pulp is the sweet fibrous interior of the pod, excluding the seeds. carob pulp and seeds are rich in bioactive functional components that are associated with various health benefits and hold industrial importance [6, 7, 8]. Thus, the economic significance of carob primarily arises from its seeds, widely recognized for their industrial importance due to diverse qualities and potential applications of locust bean gum (LBG; thickener E410) [9]. On the other hand, carob pulp is abundant in polyphenols (tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids) and dietary fiber, along with other substances such as minerals, sugars, proteins, and vitamins [10,11]. In fact, the polyphenic compounds found in the pulp are known for their antioxidant capabilities [12]. Additionally, carob pulp, given its nutritional value, shows great potential for use in diabetic-friendly foods and plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels [13]. In this context, D-pinitol is a significant component found in carob pulp and several studies have shown its promising source for medical applications [7,14]. This compound has been linked to different health benefits, including anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune- and hepato-protective properties, making it a valuable natural ingredient with multifunctional properties [7]. Furthermore, carob pulp has demonstrated a positive effect on human lipid profiles and controlling hyperlipidemia [10]. Finally, _C. siliqua_ is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine throughout history to treat a variety of health problems, including diarrhea [15] and inflammation [16]. Especially, the pulp, which is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, aids digestive health and blood sugar regulation, whereas the seeds are used to produce locust bean gum, and the leaves and bark are sometimes applied for wound healing and inflammation [17]. _Ceratonia siliqua_ L. demonstrates notable variation in its agricultural, morphological, and technological features, which are influenced by several factors including agricultural practices [18]. These methods contribute to the preferential cultivation of traits. Nowadays, seed production is the main interest in carob cultivation due to its importance and usage in industry. However, pulp production could be a second option for profit in carob cultivation. In this context, studying the nutritional composition of carob assists in the targeted selection of varieties that align with specific applications, dietary preferences, and industrial requirements.