What is Cacao?

Cacao is the source of chocolate. But it is more than just that. It has significance in a plethora of ways, such as its importance in contributing to diverse cultures, a multitude of foods, and being beneficial by serving as a source of medicine for our health.


Interesting facts about the cacao plant:

• It produces flowers and fruits annually.
• Comes from the forests of Central and South America.
• Needs a warm and humid climate, consistent rainfall, and fertile and well-irrigated soil.
• It yields its very first crop at 3-4 years old.
• At 10 years, it becomes an adult plant.
• Produces 300 to 1,000 pounds of cocoa per acre for about 50 years.
• The fruit of the cacao plant is a big berry called the cacao pod. It is usually shaped like a melon. The pod contains about 30 to 40 seeds.

---