Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) is a species native to the Mediterranean region, cultivated for its edible seed pods. Also known as St John's Bread, the flesh of the pods tastes similar to sweetened cocoa, but contains no psycho-active substances and is often used as a hypoallergenic, drug-free substitute. It is most commonly put in Cakes, Icing, or sometimes, cookies. The seeds themselves, also known as locust bean, are used as animal feed and to extract locust bean gum, a thickening agent.