Carob help...

[walnutty]

Does carob have a strong ammonia type smell?

I just opened a brand new bag of carob to use in my smoothies and it smells awful. I have never used carob before so I do not know how it is supposed to smell. I tasted it and it tastes sweet with a somewhat chocolatey taste.

This is raw, wildcrafted carob that I purchased last spring and it has been sitting unopened in my pantry since then.

Is it bad? Help?

[Shell]

No, your carob is not bad.....IT'S REALLY SUPPOSED TO SMELL LIKE THAT!!! I know, I think it really stinks too.....but yep, that's how it smells! Enjoy!:D

[walnutty]

It tasted good so I was hoping I could use it. So thanks!

[JennaBoBenna]

Uck! I can't stand the smell! :p
People always rave about carob and I'm like "But what about the smell!! :eek: "

[rawmorenmore]

The raw carob I use doesn't have a strong smell...

[walnutty]

Hmmm....I wonder what that means? Could it be possible that mine IS bad? I got mine from a very reputable source (David Wolfe's website). It was so strong smelling that as soon as I started to cut the top off of the package it hit me in the face. I tasted it, though, and it was sweet and didn't taste at all like what it smelled like.

Hmmmm....

Does anyone else have any input? Please?

[Shell]

I'll say it again.....don't worry! Mine has a strong odor, and I'm positive others have had the same.....I've almost used the whole package, to no ill effects. I don't know why there is such a variance in smells between different brands, but really, just try it! The carob tree has a notoriously stinky bloom, so it would stand to reason that that's why the ground up pods smell too.....dunno.....But hey, do what you want to do.....if you try it, and don't feel good afterwards, then just don't use it anymore, but if you feel fine, then go to it! Carob does have naturally laxative qualities, so don't let that throw you off. Seriously, eat away!:D

[Aleesha Sattva]

good info to know *makes mental note to NOT smell her carob*