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Science & Nature • Botany

Carob

Carob is the common name for *Ceratonia siliqua*, a flowering evergreen tree in the legume family (Fabaceae).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Carob is the common name for *Ceratonia siliqua*, a flowering evergreen tree in the legume family (Fabaceae). Native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East, it is cultivated for its edible pods, which are used in food products and as a cocoa substitute.

Description

Carob is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree or shrub with glossy, leathery leaves and red flowers that develop into long, flat pods. The pods contain sweet pulp around hard brown seeds and are the main harvested product. The tree typically reaches about 15 m (50 ft) in height, sometimes up to 20 m.

Distribution and cultivation

The species is native to the eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East, and it is now grown in other warm regions, including parts of the Americas, Australia, and southern Africa. It thrives in Mediterranean-type climates and is widely cultivated in warm temperate regions beyond its native range.

Uses

Carob pods are eaten fresh or dried, ground into powder, or processed into syrups and other foods. The powder is commonly used as a cocoa alternative, and the tree is also planted for ornament, shade, and soil conservation. The seeds are a source of locust bean gum.

Names and history

Common English names include carob, locust bean, and St. John's bread. These names reflect historical associations with the tree's pods and their role in food use.

Key facts

  • Carob is a legume in the pea family, Fabaceae.
  • It is an evergreen tree or shrub with leathery leaves and flat pods.
  • The pods contain sweet edible pulp and hard brown seeds.
  • Carob powder is made from dried pods and is used as a cocoa alternative.
  • The species is widely cultivated in warm temperate regions beyond its native range.
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Canadian context

Carob is grown in limited warm-climate areas rather than widely across Canada; Canadian readers are more likely to encounter it as an imported food ingredient or cocoa substitute.

Frequently asked questions

What is carob?
Carob is the common name for *Ceratonia siliqua*, an evergreen tree in the legume family grown for its edible pods.
Where is carob native to?
It is native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East.
What is carob used for?
Its dried pods are ground into powder, made into syrups, and used in foods as a cocoa substitute.
Is carob a legume?
Yes. It belongs to the legume family, Fabaceae.
What are other names for carob?
It is also called locust bean and St. John's bread.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carob
    Supports: Common name, scientific name, family, native range, general description.
  2. NC State University Plant Toolbox — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ceratonia-siliqua/
    Supports: Growth habit, native range, pod uses, height, and botanical notes.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/carob
    Supports: Botanical description, edible pods, pod size, common names, and culinary uses.
  4. Missouri Botanical Garden — https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280439
    Supports: Tree size, native origin, and cultivation in warm temperate regions.