Trees near my house have these pods covering the ground, by the side of the street. They look like Carob to me. I took a few of them.
Searching Google, I don't see other trees that grow long brown pods matching these.
Are these Carob pods and can I eat them as is? Are there other factors to consider? Maybe they're contaminated from being next to the street or infected with pathogens from lying on the ground? Or perhaps they're too old to eat? I don't know if these are potential issues.
I already bit a small piece and it did taste like chocolate.