Hi Mark,

Most carob is dried at high temperatures. The darker carob is usually roasted as well; although a light carob is not an indication of raw.

We found carob pods at a local health food store and tested them by soaking the seeds - they grew! Definitely raw! You eat the pod, which surprised us. It's delightfully sweet, way more so than carob pods.

Carob is considered an alternative to chocolate/cacao/cocoa. Similiar colour, but very different taste.

Hope this helps!
Sheryl