Two distinct products are derived from the fruit of the carob tree, including carob bean gum and carob powder. Carob bean gum is made from the beans encased in the pod, and is used extensively in food manufacturing for its gelling and binding properties. Carob powder, noted for its similarity to cocoa powder, is made by drying, roasting, and grinding the carob pod after the beans have been removed. The colour and flavour of carob vary according to the roasting process—the longer carob is roasted, the darker its colour and the blander its flavour. Solid carob, carob chips, and carob syrup are made from carob powder.