Cocoa – What is it, Where does it come from?

1. Cacao Tree Cacao Pod Cacao Beans Cocoa Powder Cocoa – What is it, Where does it come from? • Cocoa powder is derived from cacao seeds grown in pods on the cacao tree. Its botanical name, Theobroma cacao, means “food of the gods.” They are only referred to as cocao beans once they are removed from the pod. • Cocao trees will grow in a very limited geographical zone, approximately 10 degrees north or south of the Equator • There are three varieties of cocao: Forastero, Criollo & Trinitario. Forastero comprises 95% of the world production and is most widely used. The highest quality of cocao comes from the Criollo variety and is considered a delicacy, however it is harder to produce, hence very few countries produce it, with the majority of production coming from Venezuela. The Trinitario is a mix betweenthe Criollo and Forastero varieties. • Cocoa powder is a unique food ingredient – with no substitute • Its colour is important, because it prompts certain taste and other sensory perceptions • The flavour, texture and mouthfeel of the finished product are all influenced by processing of the bean

2. Cleaning Shells Winnowing Batch Maker Alkalization Roasting Cooling Breaking Pulverizing Breaking Cocoa Beans Blending Grinding Broken Press Cakes Pressing Nibs Blending Cocoa Butter Cocoa Liquor Cocoa Powder The Production Process:From cocoa beans to butter, liquor and powder