Carob trees

Carob trees can be recognised by the pods, like pea pods but much larger, that tend to remain hanging on the branches. These pods are about 6 or 8 inches long. They start off green but eventually become dark brown in colour. You also see them scattered on the ground underneath the tree. The pods (but not the seeds they contain) are edible, with a slightly sweet, chocolatey taste. (Don't try any growing near the road, as they will be impregnated with fumes from passing cars: try one in the middle of a field). In the past (not so long ago), in times of drought and famine, carob pods were what saved people from starvation. Another name for carob is "locust"; when the King James bible records that John the Baptist lived on "locusts and wild honey" it actually refers to this plant.