A bit of history about this tree, along with some experiences you can enjoy in Llucmajor to discover it better.
Walking through the countryside of Llucmajor, it is very common to come across the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.), an evergreen tree whose trunks, especially in the oldest specimens, tend to twist and reach a considerable size, much like ancient olive trees. Although its origin lies in the eastern Mediterranean —where it still grows wild today—, centuries ago it spread throughout the Mediterranean basin. Later, the Spanish introduced it to other warm regions of the world, such as distant California.
It adapts well to dry climates and poor soils, being highly resistant to drought. Trees may be male, female or hermaphrodite.
The name of this tree in several languages derives from Persian through the Arabic word ẖarrūbah. From it come the Catalan term garrover and the Spanish algarrobo. Tradition says that Saint John the Baptist fed on its fruits in the desert; for this reason, in German it is popularly known as the “Saint John’s bread tree” (Johannisbrotbaum).
One of its greatest curiosities lies in its seeds, which have an extraordinarily regular size and weight of around 0.2 grams —the official weight of one carat of cut diamond. Because of this remarkable uniformity, they were used since ancient times as a unit for weighing jewels and gemstones.
In fact, the word carat comes, through the Arabic qīrāṭ, from the Greek kerátion (carob), named after the horn-like shape of its pods.
This fruit has been a fundamental pillar of Llucmajor’s economy, a land with a strong agricultural and livestock tradition. Its pulp historically served as animal feed and, during times of scarcity, as nourishment for the poorest people and even as an ingenious substitute for chocolate.
Moreover, the gum extracted from its seeds had an astonishing technical value: it was used in textile finishing and preservation, a technique so ancient that traces have been found in Egyptian mummy bandages. Today, this natural treasure is being rediscovered. Local production is reviving carob chocolate and new artisanal products, highlighting its excellent nutritional properties.
An unquestionable symbol of the Mallorcan landscape alongside the olive tree, before the arrival of almond trees, the carob tree enjoyed its golden age until the mid-20th century. Agricultural mechanization and the rise of the service sector transformed the island’s economy, leading to the gradual abandonment of the countryside and animal-powered farming.
Although its market value once reached historic lows, today it is experiencing a fascinating revival. The secret lies in the versatility of its products: from the highly valued locust bean gum extracted from its seeds to the intense flavor of its flower honey and its flour.
Spain leads global carob production; the Balearic Islands are the country’s second-largest producing region, and the municipality of Llucmajor, with more than 1,000 hectares dedicated to this crop, stands out across Mallorca.
Would you like to discover experiences centered around the carob tree?
Visit the Museu de la Garrova
Discover it through a visit to the Museu de la Garrova and its activities:
Baked products made with carob
Check availability and orders directly with the establishments:
- Forn de Can Tofolet
Ensaïmades with homemade cream filling
C. de Sant Joan, 16, Llucmajor
Tel: +34 971 660 314 - Forn de Can Vicens
Country bread, cremadillos, gató cake, quarto sponge cake and ensaïmades
Pça. d’Espanya, 44, Llucmajor
Tel: +34 971 669 797
Festa de la Garrova Estrucada
The Festa de la Garrova Estrucada or s’Estrucada is part of the festivities of Santa Càndida, patron saint of Llucmajor, held during the first weeks of August.
Carob-derived products
- Es Garrover de Mallorca
C/ de la Marina, 107, Llucmajor
Tel: +34 630 275 775
More information
- Herboristería Tot Remei
C/ de la Font, 70, Llucmajor
Honey and herbal products
Tel: +34 971 12 01 31 - Llucmajor open-air market
Every Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Stalls selling beekeeping products on Antoni Maura street. - Productos Marín
Industrial production of carob-derived products
