( IF YOU ARE USING A MOBILE PHONE PLEASE SLIDE ACROSS THE DOTS TO SEE PICTURES OF THE TREE )
Inside each cacao bean is the cacao nib and this is used to make chocolate after they are dried, fermented and processed. There are 3 types of cacao beans that are used to make chocolate. Each varies from the other in fragrance and flavor. These are Criollo, Forastero and Trinitario.
All cacao products are said to be effective in treating many health conditions like lowering high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, liver, bladder and kidney disorders, asthma, diarrhea, preventing wrinkles, pregnancy stretch marks and more. Raw cacao nibs and beans offer the best health benefits since some of the nutrients are destroyed when they are processed into chocolate. They can be eaten raw, powdered and made into tea and included in various foods. There are also cacao extracts available.
GROWN FROM
Seed (1 years old)
HOW LONG BEFORE THIS TREE WILL FRUIT3 to 4 years
(Will fruit upt to 2 times a year in warmer climates)
POLLINATIONSelf Pollinating
DECIDUOUS OR EVERGREENSemi deciduous
WATERINGModerate Watering
AMOUNT OF SUNFull Sun
Cacao cocoa Tree (Chocolate) 2 Years old
- The cocoa tree needs to be grown in warm areas with high humidity and rainfall.They do well in most soils but need good drainage.They are susceptible to low temperatures for extended periods and also do better in a semi shade though can grow well in full sun.If the leaves get bad wind damage they will go brown and drop off so they need to be planted in a wind free zone.Can fruit as early as 2 years.