The cocoa bean, central to the chocolate-making process, holds a great amount of history, cultural significance, and unique characteristics.
At Agrobio Int, we value the full story of the Theobroma Cacao plant — its past, varieties, and diverse uses beyond just chocolate.
Where Do Cocoa Beans Come From?
Map Showing the 4 basins cacao tree collection – Amazon (Research Gate.)
Originally native to the Amazon Basin in South America, the cocoa tree was first cultivated and then expanded into Central America.
Today, this precious plant grows in equatorial regions worldwide, with ideal climates that are warm and humid.
IDEAL GROWING CONDITIONS.
- Cocoa trees thrive in temperatures between 68°C-90°C, substantial rainfall, and no more than a three-month dry spell.
- Under the right conditions, each pod yields around 20-30 seeds (cocoa beans) embedded in sweet pulp.
- Harvesting is a year-round task since pods ripen at different times.
Where Does Cocoa Grow Today?
Cocoa cultivation now spans multiple continents.
- The Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon collectively produce about 70% of the world’s cocoa beans.
- Other important cocoa-growing regions include Indonesia, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean.
At Agrobio Int, we collaborate closely with Cameroonian farmers to support sustainable and ethical cocoa practices, ensuring top-quality beans while uplifting local communities. See our About Us Page.
Types of Cocoa Beans.
Cocoa varieties are as diverse as the flavors they yield. The three main types are:
- CRIOLLO
Known as the “native” cocoa, Criollo beans are the highest quality, offering fine, aromatic flavors. It is mostly grown in Central and South America as well as some parts of the Caribbean.
However, they are sensitive to disease and have a low yield, making up only 1-2% of global cocoa production.
2. FORASTERO
The “workhorse” of cocoa, Forastero trees are hardy and disease-resistant, producing the bulk of the world’s cocoa supply.
- As you probably guessed, Forastero is grown primarily in West Africa – where the world’s largest suppliers of cocoa beans are located..
While their flavor is less nuanced, these beans form the base of most chocolate blends.
3. TRINITARIO
A hybrid of Criollo and Forastero, Trinitario combines hardiness with rich, complex flavors.
This variety accounts for about 5% of global production and is prized for its balance of quality and resilience.
Raw Cocoa – What Is It?
“Raw” cocoa refers to beans processed at lower temperatures, avoiding traditional roasting.
This method preserves more natural flavors but still requires some heat to make the beans palatable.
Though raw cocoa retains a higher level of antioxidants, it is an acquired taste, being more astringent and less sweet than roasted varieties.
Beyond Chocolate – Other Uses of Cocoa Beans.
While chocolate is the most well-known product, cocoa beans have a host of other uses:
- Ancient Currency – The Mayans once used cocoa beans as money, reflecting their immense value.
- Medicinal and Ritualistic Uses – Both the Mayans and Aztecs revered cocoa in ceremonies, consuming “xocolatl,” a bitter drink made with water, chili, and spices, thought to have spiritual and health benefits.
- Beauty and Skincare – Cocoa butter, derived from pressed cocoa beans, is an exceptional moisturiser used in skincare products.
At Agrobio Int, we embrace this tradition in our plentiful use of real cocoa beans and butter in our products – while also using as much of the bean as possible to reduce waste.
Cocoa Sustainability at Agrobio Int.
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond making exceptional chocolate.
We support farming communities with fair trade practices and educational programs. By buying cocoa at fair market rates, we ensure that our farmers can thrive and continue cultivating high-quality, environmentally friendly cocoa.
Cocoa beans are more than just the foundation of delicious chocolate. From their ancient history to their diverse present-day applications, they tell a story of resilience, culture, and innovation.
At Agrobio Int, we honor this legacy by producing premium chocolate while supporting ethical and sustainable cocoa farming.