How are cocoa beans grown?

The cocoa plant is native to West Africa, the tropical rainforest region of the western part of the continent and the Caribbean. It is one of the few plants to contain cocoa butter and cocoa powder, which are the main ingredients in chocolate. The cocoa plant is a small tree that produces a cocoa pod about the size of a large avocado. The cocoa pods can grow up to three meters (9 feet) in length and contain about 22 seeds. The cocoa beans are the edible portion of the cocoa pod

How cocoa beans grow?

There are two types of cocoa trees: Criollo and Forastero. While the Criollo cocoa tree is indigenous to West Africa, the Forastero cocoa tree was first discovered in Trinidad and has been cultivated ever since. Criollo cocoa is considered to be higher in cocoa butter, cocoa flour, and antioxidants than Forastero.

How are cocoa beans made?

After cocoa beans reach full maturity, they are collected and cleaned. They can be fermented, dried or roasted in their shells. Once the beans are fully dried, they can be ground into cocoa powder. There are many different varieties of cocoa, depending on where the cocoa trees grow. For example, Criollo and Trinitario are two of the most popular varieties.

How are cocoa beans harvested?

The cocoa beans are picked by hand when they reach the appropriate length and beginning to harden. They are laid on a mat or cardboard on the ground and then gathered in large sacks. As their husks dry out, the cocoa beans inside them begin to separate from the shell. Once the husks are removed, the cocoa beans are cleaned and fermented.

How cocoa is harvested?

The cocoa beans grow on cocoa trees in tropical countries. They are best grown in the moist, tropical rainforest regions of West Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The cocoa plant produces pods called “cherries” which contain cocoa beans. The cocoa trees are tapped twice a year when the cocoa pods mature. To harvest, the cocoa trees are cut down and the cocoa pods are picked by hand. The pods are then fermented for a few days to remove the cocoa butter and create cocoa nib