There is an ancient carob tree in the valley a short distance below the cave of Saint John Climacus. It has a gnarled and weathered trunk.
The carob tree, χαρουπιά (Ceratonia siliqua), produces pods. Both the pulp and the seeds are edible.
In the classical world, the seeds of the carob tree were considered very consistent in weight. They were used to weigh gold. A Roman pure gold solidus was equal in weight to 24 carob seeds.
The Greek word for a carob seed is κεράτιον, and the Arab word qīrāṭ, from which we have the English word ‘carat’. Even today, 24 carat gold is pure gold.
A nice month, Father Justin!
Once again, such an interesting photograph.
I didn’t know that . . . I love this information about the carat.
So interesting. Thank you for sharing!
Carob tastes much like chocolate
Good substitute if have allergy to chocolate. I wonder of the age of oldest carob tree is? It may have more longevity in desert climate, looks like roots have good drainage.healthy looking tree. Neat!