Brown pods from tree like Carob okay to eat raw? [closed]

Trees near my house have these pods covering the ground, by the side of the street. They look like Carob to me. I took a few of them.

Searching Google, I don't see other trees that grow long brown pods matching these.

Are these Carob pods and can I eat them as is? Are there other factors to consider? Maybe they're contaminated from being next to the street or infected with pathogens from lying on the ground? Or perhaps they're too old to eat? I don't know if these are potential issues.

I already bit a small piece and it did taste like chocolate.

food-safety food-identification

Best Answer

You don't show a picture of the tree but those appear to be pods from a honey locust tree. The tree usually has thorns growing on its trunk. I've never heard of them being edible but I did find some info here: maybe but probably not best idea.Young fruits may be more edible.

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Can humans eat carob pods?

You can eat carob pods when they're fresh or dried, too. People who add carob to their diet have seen benefits like weight loss and decreased stomach issues.

What can I do with carob pods?

You can use the pods later to make carob powder, which is naturally sweet and very versatile. Use your carob powder in dessert bars. Taste the liquid and you'll notice it's already slightly sweet, although not yet a true syrup.

How do you eat carob from a tree?

Pods are ripe when they turn from green to a dark, reddish brown. You can pick them from the tree (or shake a branch to dislodge them), but the easiest way to harvest carob is to gather them from the ground once they've ripened and fallen. Be sure to check fallen pods for insects and mold.

Raw Carob and Raw Cacao Comparison. Raw Carob Pods and Powder Information

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