What tree grows cocoa beans?

What tree grows cocoa beans?

cacao trees
Cocoa beans come from cacao trees, which reside in the genus Theobroma and originated millions of years ago in South America, east of the Andes.

Which country produces the best cocoa?

The Ivory Coast and Ghana are by far the two largest producers of cocoa, accounting for more than 50 percent of the world´s cocoa. In 2016, the Ivory Coast alone produced approximately 1.6 million metric tons of cocoa beans.

Do cocoa beans grow on trees?

COCOA IS GROWN ON TREES The cocoa tree bears fruit on its trunk and branches. They are called pods. The pods contain seeds which are called cocoa beans. The beans are made up of a seed coat, a kernel and a germ.

What are 3 major varieties of cacao?

Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario are cacao’s three dominant varieties.

Where do cocoa beans come from?

Cocoa is the product that is produced from it. Seventy percenr (70%) of the world’s cocoa beans come from four countries in West Africa, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon.

Where can you buy cocoa beans?

Raw Chocolate Buying Tips. Cacao beans can be found at most health food markets including Whole Foods, and online at Amazon, or Navitas Naturals. Raw cacao can be purchased as whole beans (peeled or unpeeled), nibs , or powder.

How much iron is in a cocoa bean?

Iron Content: Raw cacao contains about 7.3 mg iron* per 100 grams. Studies have shown that cocoa is a significant source of moderately bioavailable iron. (1) Raw cacao is also high in beneficial antioxidants and magnesium.

What is the history of the cocoa bean?

Thousands of years ago, cocoa beans were discovered in South American rain forests where the humid and tropical climate mixed with elevated rainfall created the perfect place for cocoa trees to grow. Cocoa beans have been a prevalent part of Central American cultures, specifically the Mayan civilization, for hundreds of years.