Evaluation of Proximate Composition, Minerals Content and Antioxidant Properties of Carob (Ceratonia Siliqua L.) Pod

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) has been used by humans since very ancient times; this study aimed to evaluate the proximate composition, the minerals content and antioxidant properties of the C. siliqua L. (carob) pods. The carob pods samples were collected from local market prepared and subjected to proximate composition analysis using standard methods, also minerals content determination via spectrophotometer and flame photometer; beside assessment of antioxidant activity of carob pods extract using DPPH free radical scavenging methods. The obtained results of proximate composition indicated that carob pods had a high content of carbohydrate (59.46 ± 1.22%), protein (13.27 ± 0.1%), moisture (8.79 ± 0.24%), fibers (8.62 ± 0.40%), fat (6.32 ± 0.41%), and ash (3.55 ± 0.27%). As well, the results of elemental analysis showed that calcium content is higher (1989.61 mg/100 g), followed by magnesium (1482.19 mg/100 g), potassium (470.00 mg/100 g), iron (66.38 mg/100 g), manganese (8.67 mg/100 g), zinc (4.30 mg/100 g) and finally sodium (3 mg/100 g). The ethanolic carob pod extract showed good antioxidant activity with the percentage inhibition of 50 ± 0.04%. Based on the obtained results carob pods have a good potential as nutritional and antioxidant sources and, it can be used in human consumption and food industry.