| n. 1.  a.  A Mediterranean evergreen tree (Ceratonia siliqua) of the pea family, having pinnately compound leaves and large, dark, leathery pods. b.  The pod of this plant, containing a sweet edible pulp and seeds that yield a gum used as a stabilizer in food products. Also called  algaroba. 2.  An edible powder or flour made from the ground seeds and pods of this plant, used as a substitute for chocolate. [Middle English carabe, from Old French carobe, from Medieval Latin carrūbium, from Arabic ḫarrūba, carob pod; see  ALGAROBA.]  (click for a larger image)carob ripe carob podsCeratonia siliqua | 
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