Where do cacao beans grow?

Where do cacao beans grow?

The Theobroma cacao tree originated in the upper Amazon basin region (Brazil, Colombia, and Peru). Today, cacao is grown by 40-50 million cocoa farmers in more than 50 countries around the world. 90% of the world’s cocoa is grown on small family farms, while only 5% is grown on larger commercial plantations.

Where do the best cacao beans come from?

Ecuador is home to some of the best cacao beans in the world. Only approximately 5% of cacao in the world is labeled as “Fine Aroma,” and Ecuador produces nearly 63% of it.

Can cacao grow in the US?

Cocoa beans do indeed grow in the USA, but only in very limited areas. Much like their parent trees, cocoa beans need constant warm temperatures in order to thrive – usually between 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit – along with high humidity and ample rainfall (40-100 inches annually).

Which country produces the largest crop of cacao beans?

Cote d’Ivoire
Cote d’Ivoire is the biggest producer of cocoa beans in the world, producing over 2 million tons. In fact, Ivoirians count on cocoa exports for 40% of their export revenue, which means that their national economy is highly dependent on the price of cocoa.

Are there different types of cacao?

There are three varieties of Theobroma cacao, as it was officially named in 1753 by the Swedish scientist Carl von Linné. They are criollo, forastero and trinitario, and multiple hybrids exist of each strain.

What country produces the most cacao nowadays?

About 70 percent of the world’s cocoa beans come from four West African countries: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon. 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.

Can I eat raw cacao beans?

Raw cacao is the purest form of chocolate one can consume. Whether consumed in powder form, as cacao nibs or cacao beans, it is far less processed than its heated and treated cocoa counterpart.

Is cacao a stimulant?

The theobromine naturally found in raw cacao is a mild, non-addictive stimulant that some believe can treat depression. It may cause the brain to produce more of a neurotransmitter calledanandamide which would account for the euphoric sensation some feel when indulging in chocolate.

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