Learn About Cacao

Wild cacao trees have spread from the Amazonian region from which they originated and have been heavily domesticated for human trade and consumption. Cacao trees can be categorised based on the region they were grown in, how they were processed, and other qualities, including shape and size of the bean, oil content, aroma, and more1. They are also categorised based on their biological varieties1,...

Cacao contains many bioactive components and essential minerals that interact with our natural biochemical pathways to provide many health benefits. Scientific studies have shown that these compounds assist with cardiovascular health, mental health, immune health, bone health, metabolic health, skin health, mental health, and more. Together, these compounds work to elevate mood, enhance cognitive function, support the immune and cardiovascular systems, boost metabolic function,...

There are many factors that will affect the colour, flavour, and contents of the cacao beans. These include the variety of cacao tree, the location of the tree, soil conditions, and the fermentation process. Fermentation is one of the most important post-harvest processes for cacao beans as this is when the compounds responsible for the flavour of cacao and its brown colour are able...

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) trees grow only in tropical environments with most plantations today being in Africa, South East Asia, Central America and South America1. Majority of cacao tree growth is concentrated in a region called the “Cacao belt,” which is anywhere within 20 degrees north or south of the Equator belt2,3. Not only are these conditions crucial for the growth of the tree itself...

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) that we all know today as the key ingredient in chocolate began it's domestication some 7500 years ago in the northern region of the Peruvian Amazon before spreading through the region of Central America. In Peru it was first used by the Chinchipe tribes before later becoming part also of the Chavin culture. In Mesoamerica cacao was adopted and used by the...

Learn about the cacao tree, the story of cacao and how the seeds are made into different products. The health benefits and way in which cacao works in our brain to make us feel good.