Saint-John's-bread is a common name for the carob tree, a tree that produces dark brown pods that are often used as a substitute for chocolate due to their sweet flavor. Other synonyms for Saint-John's-bread include carob, locust bean, St. John's-bread, and algarroba. In addition to its culinary uses, carob has also been used for medicinal purposes, as it is believed to have beneficial effects on digestion and cholesterol levels. The tree is native to the Mediterranean region but is now grown in many parts of the world, including the United States, where it is commonly used in natural health products and as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.
