I'm looking forward to taking part in the EFI Mediterranean Network Forum 2026 in Valencia, a space to connect, learn, and exchange knowledge and action across the Mediterranean region. I'm especially looking forward to the #Carob Workshop, which will get scientists, carob growers, carob processors & more together.

(I needed to "amend" my conference bio photo here...)

More about the event and you can register here:
https://efi.int/efimed-network-forum-2026

#EFIMNF26 #MediterraneanResilience #Forest

A carob farmer kindly let me know about this European Forest Institute event "Carob Days".

They have a student rate, but as I'm not currently enrolled I have to pay the full whack if I want to attend...

https://efi.int/efimed-network-forum-2026/carob-days #Horticulture #Agriculture #Carob #PlantScience #Science #Spain

Carob Days | Unlocking the potential of the carob tree: from field to industry across the Mediterranean | European Forest Institute

Carob syrup is sometimes called "carob molasses" in products exported from the Middle East.

When things like Google Images came on the scene, people just started grabbing images without factchecking (or licensing or giving credit). Here's a YouTube video about molasses, which is a byproduct of cane sugar production, which shows carob pods.

It goes on to talk about the Boston Molasses Flood, so it's certain this was not meant to be about #Carob

#Botany

“Unlike #cocoa, #carob thrives in hot, arid climates with very low water requirements, and is able to survive through #droughts. After roasting, it releases a "unique aroma” that resembles cocoa – but its flavour doesn’t quite hit the spot.” www.euronews.com/green/2025/1...

Meet the scientists saving the...
Meet the scientists saving the chocolate industry from climate change

As cocoa production plunges, scientists have turned to a climate-resilient plant to save the chocolate industry.

euronews

#ClimateChange #carob

"A research team developed two flavor-enhancing techniques that transform carob pulp into a delicious, sustainable alternative to cocoa.

Rising temperatures and the spread of crop diseases are placing increasing pressure on the global supply of cocoa. In response to these challenges, researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) began investigating ways to improve the flavor of carob, with the goal of positioning it as a more sustainable and attractive alternative to cocoa.

Carob pulp comes from Ceratonia siliqua (carob), a tough, climate-resilient plant that has drawn growing interest as a potential substitute for cocoa. When roasted, carob develops an aroma similar to cocoa, but its taste has not yet matched the richness consumers expect from chocolate. This flavor gap has been a key barrier to its broader use.

The research effort is led by Associate Professor Liu Shao Quan from the Department of Food Science and Technology (FST) at the NUS Faculty of Science. His team has introduced two new methods designed to significantly improve the taste profile of carob pulp."

https://scitechdaily.com/this-little-known-plant-could-help-save-chocolate-from-climate-change/

This Little-Known Plant Could Help Save Chocolate From Climate Change

A research team developed two flavor-enhancing techniques that transform carob pulp into a delicious, sustainable alternative to cocoa. Rising temperatures and the spread of crop diseases are placing increasing pressure on the global supply of cocoa. In response to these challenges, researchers a

SciTechDaily
Gluten-Free Carob Brownie (Vegan and Healthy) - Wholesome Wonders

gluten-free | veggie-packed | nutrient-dense recipes

Wholesome Wonders

Before I go all in on vegan chocolate recipes, let's not forget carob.
https://carobrecipes.com/special-diets/vegan/

#SolarPunkSunday #Vegan #Food #Carob #LocustBean #Recipes #DIYGifts

Vegan - Carob Recipes

Carob Recipes

I had a feeling they were going to go for the carob diss.

But truly, Lemon Peppermint Carob Chip wouldn't be any better a flavor if it were Lemon Peppermint Chocolate Chip, though...

Häagen-Dasz old Carob flavor was marvelous. And if you let me at making a Ben & Jerry's carob flavor, I guarantee you I can make a good one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U2hbV0IsVk #Carob

Ben & Jerry Declare: After Raising $7.4M For Charity, The Americone Dream Will Go On!

YouTube