The carob tree is a slow growing, medium sized evergreen tree originating in the eastern Mediterranean. It is a member of the Legume (Pea) family and is the only member of the genus Ceratonia. It is a xerophilous scleophphyllous species well suited to dry infertile environments. The species is trioecious with male, female and hermaphrodite inflorescences and is often multi stemmed growing up to 15 meters in height. The production of fruit begins around the age of 15 and continues for the life of the plant. The leaves are broad, dark green and offering substantial shade. The dark-brown pods are not only edible, but also rich in sucrose (almost 40% plus other sugars) and protein (up to 8%). Moreover, the pod has vitamin A, B vitamins, and several important minerals. They can be eaten directly by livestock, but we know carob mostly because the pods are ground into a flour that is a cocoa substitute. Although this product has a slightly different taste than chocolate, it has only one-third the calories (total 1595 calories per pound), is virtually fat-free (chocolate is half fat), is rich in pectin, is non-allergenic, has abundant protein, and has no oxalic acid, which interferes with absorption of calcium. Consequently, carob flour is widely used in health foods for chocolate-like flavoring. A very fine polysaccharide gum--mucilaginous, odorless, tasteless, and colorless--can also be obtained from the pod and is now used in many products. There are also several putative medicinal uses of the plant, and singers formerly chewed the pod husks in the belief that this clears the throat and voice. Carob Products Carob is a highly versatile and useful tree to humans as there are a wide range of products derived from its fruits and timber. Primarily, foods for both human and animal consumption are obtained from it's Seeds are viable and suitaible for planting. Buy 3 or more seeds orders and you will get double amount of one seeds order for free! Free international worldwide shipping, no tracking number (3-4 weeks delivery, 1 week Europe). Expedited international shipping with tracking number 1 week delivery. Feedback We will do everything for your satisfaction. When you receive your purchase, please take a moment to leave us a positive feedback. If there was something unsatisfactory about your purchase, please email us through before leaving feedback and we'll do what's necessary to solve the problem and ensure your satisfaction! Thank you! Attention: Buyers are responsible for their countries' custom laws. We ,as seller, have no responsibility, to possible prohibition laws of buyer's country.