Title:
A Circular Economy Approach for Valorization Products of Carob (Ceratonia Siliqua L.) Supply Chain for Food, Feed and Energy Use
Author(s):
Assirelli, A., Fischetti, E., Palma, A., Vincenti, B., Paris, E., Salerno, M., Carnevale, M., Gallucci, F.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
The Cheratitis Siliqua tree has benefits that are interesting both ecologically (drought tolerance, contentment with poor and rocky soils, tolerance of temperatures from -6 to 50°C), biologically (good nitrogen efficiency management, resistance to fire, mutilation and disease), agronomically (high yield in arid zones in comparison to olive trees, almond trees, soft wheat and barley) as well as socio-economically (source of stable income for the local population, contributes to the development of national and regional economy). The carob tree fruit passes to the kibblers (the firms that crush the fruit to extract the seeds and husk), whom will then largely sell the seeds to the locust bean gum producer. The seed is composed of the husk (30–33%), the endosperm (42–46%) and the germ (23–25%). Current annual production in the world is estimated to be >15,000 tons and current prices are 12 to 22 euros/kg or more depending on grade and supplier. Food, medicines, paper, textile, oil drilling, and cosmetic sectors all use it as an ingredient. In addition, its dietary fibre activity helps regulate numerous health issues, including diabetes, bowel motions, heart disease and colon cancer. The wood is interesting for mechanical properties, energy aspect in terms of combustion, syngas and biochar production also for soil amendment.
Keywords:
harvesting, seeds, energy valorization, woods, fruits, husk
Topic:
Biomass Conversion for Bioenergy
Subtopic:
Advanced biomass combustion
Event:
32nd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
4CV.3.17
Pages:
587 - 589
ISBN:
978-88-89407-24-0
Paper DOI:
10.5071/32ndEUBCE2024-4CV.3.17
Price:
FREE
