How to Get Food From a St. John's Bread Tree

You're lost somewhere along the coast of North Africa. For three days you've been wandering, somewhat aimlessly, seeking civilization and rescue. Luckily, you've come across several freshwater streams, so water hasn't been an issue. You've also happened upon a couple of decent caves, providing shelter from the elements when needed. But your stomach is growling and you know that if you don't find food fast, your time on earth will be short. Stay calm. Your geographical position would indicate that you can't be far from a St. John's bread tree--and that means sustenance.

Things You'll Need

• Pot
• Water
• Fire
• Rock

Instructions

1. Learn well how to identify a St. John's bread tree (Ceratonia siliqua) in the wild. The tree goes by several names, including the carob tree. St. John's bread trees grow to be over 30 feet tall, with grayish bark and green, alternating leaves. By far the most characteristic feature of a St. John's bread tree, however, is its seed pods. Up to 2 feet long, green and skinny, the pods are often curled. The seed pods hang from the bottom of branches, near the trunk.

2. Locate a St. John's bread tree. The tree grows across Mediterranean Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Look in humid areas.

3. Pick the St. John's bread tree's seed pods. These are the "bread" that, according to legend, John the Baptist subsisted on in the wilderness. Get as many as you can from one tree.

4. Eat the younger, more tender pods raw.

5. Boil half of what's left, then eat as you would any green vegetable.

6. Break open the remaining pods and crush the seeds with a rock or another hard, blunt object. Then throw them into a pot of boiling water to make porridge.

Tips & Warnings

• If you aren't sure that you are, in fact, dealing with a St. John's bread tree, don't eat any part of it. You don't want to ingest something poisonous or otherwise harmful to your body.