carob

(kărˈəb)

1. a. An eastern Mediterranean evergreen tree (Ceratonia siliqua) in 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 algarroba.
2. An edible powder or flour made from the ground seeds and pods of this plant, often used as a substitute for chocolate.