Fresh Moroccan carob from this year has just arrived on the market, says Ahmed Elaynouni, a producer based in the north of the country.
"Carob fruits from the center of the country, in Marrakech or Beni Mellal, are already available. Here in Ouazzane, the fruit is ripening and gaining color, and the harvest is expected in 10-15 days," says Elaynouni.
This year's carob harvest is marked by a big drop in volumes, says the grower. "Yields are much lower than in a normal year because of the weather conditions."
Growers are hoping to get good prices for fresh production. "Demand is at half mast, stocks are piling up and we're getting lower and lower prices."
Yet the quality remains very good, says Elayouni. "The fruits are consistent, with up to 20% of their weight in seeds. It is the stone that is much in demand in the cosmetics and food industries."
Much of the carob production in the north of the country is wild, says Elayouni. He adds, "There are several varieties, but the ones we have in the region are local and indigenous and can be divided into two types; a long variety, which contains up to 24 seeds, and which is more abundant, as well as a thick variety which contains fewer but more meaty seeds."
For more information:
Ahmed Elaynouni
Elaynouni farm
Tel: +212601300332