Can you describe the harvesting process for carob pods?

The harvesting process for carob pods in Mallorca typically occurs from late summer to early autumn, when the pods reach full ripeness. Farmers begin by observing the color and texture of the pods; they turn a dark brown and become hard when ready for harvest. Traditionally, harvesting is done manually; workers climb the carob trees and carefully detach the pods, ensuring not to damage the branches or surrounding pods.

In some cases, mechanical harvesting may be employed, using specialized equipment to shake the pods loose from the higher branches. Once collected, the pods are gathered and often spread out in the sun to dry further, as moisture content can affect their quality. After drying, the pods are cleaned and sorted, with any damaged or unripe pods being discarded. The dried carob pods can then be processed for various uses, including grinding into powder for food products or extracting their seeds for use in carob gum. Carob is valued for its natural sweetness and nutritional benefits, making it a popular alternative to cocoa in many recipes.