When we were kids we used the dry pods as rattles. While farmers fed them to their animals most of us only knew carob gum as a thickener for all kinds of food. Until a few years ago a local entrepreneur turned it into a delicious spread. And created a real goodie for foodies. My first encounter with carob spread from Es Garrover de Mallorca was at the breakfast buffet of a hotel in Port de Sóller. 

The sweet yet not too sugary cream goes perfectly well with a slice of bread, a cookie or granola. At first glance it reminds you of chocolate or hazelnut cream. But despite its tempting deep brown color carob spread contains neither nuts nor cacao. In fact, it is made from eco carob harvested on the island. 

Es Garrover de Mallorca has a long tradition in the processing of carob. Today, the family run enterprise in Llucmajor offers a small but excellent choice of carob products under the brand name Johannis. From syrup to tea to spreads, all of them vegan and rich in healthy ingredients. The products and processes are wholly sustainable. And what is no less important, carob spread is really delicious. Actually, I think I am going to have some right away with my next cup of coffee.