Is raw carob supposed to taste/smell like that?

[KaitAnne]

I just got 5 lb of raw carob powder (NaturalZing) and I hafta say it's not what I expected..I was thinking it'd be like chocolate. It looks like chocolate, but has this odd smell and doesn't seem to taste like it either. In fact, it seems to give things a savory flavor which certainly isn't what I was looking for...is this normal?
I haven't liked either of the two recipes I've made using the carob.:confused:
I don't think it's bad either, it seems perfectly fresh to me.

[rawstrength]

IMHO, carob doesn't taste remotely like chocolate until it's been roasted. My cousins and I would eat raw carob seeds off the tree in Greece as a savory snack. So, raw carob doesn't taste like chocolate. Roasted carob tastes somewhat like chocolate, but not as bitter (or nearly as good). Also, carob can't make me happy like chocolate can.

I hope you find a way to enjoy the carob for what it is. Maybe try adding it to veggie soups for a richer tasting soup?

[KaitAnne]

Ah thanks, I'm glad I'm not CRAZY or something 8) Yea I had a feeling the toasted stuff was the better tasting stuff, but that would be cheating right ;)

There's SO many recipes which require raw carob, there's gotta be something that's good..

[walnutty]

Yes, carob is pretty stinky stuff! Ha ha ha... I like the taste of it, though. I also get mine from Natural Zing and the taste is sweet and definetely reminiscent of chocolate...imo.

I usually use half and half in recipes. Half cacao powder and half carob powder that is.

I make a mean chocolate shake with lots of carob in it and a little cacao...yum, yum!!!