Proximate composition and mineral profile of Moroccan and Italian carobs

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.), a typical Mediterranean fruit, is currently attracting a great deal of attention for its health-promoting properties. This is due to its two main components (pod and seeds) which contain important nutrients. Therefore, this study determined the proximate composition and mineral profile, including for the first time potentially toxic elements, of carob fruit in relation to different geographical origins (Morocco and Italy) and their different parts (pod and seeds). The percentage of uptake of each element following the ingestion of 10 g of carob was also evaluated. Pod and seed samples were high in fibre. The highest levels of protein were found in the seeds. The ash content was similar in both carob parts. The elemental profile of carobs showed a close correlation with the geographical origin of the product. Some Moroccan carobs exceeded the maximum limit for Pb and Cd. PCA analysis of the mineral profile better distinguished the carob samples according to their different geographical origin than their analyzed parts. A low intake of most inorganic elements was obtained from the consumption of 10 g of carob per day. This study will provide the information needed to improve knowledge, marketing and consumer awareness on Mediterranean carob.