Where Do Cacao Beans Grow Today?

Cacao seed pods contain 20 to 60 beans each.

Cacao beans are the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, and are the source of chocolate. The trees grow in warm and wet tropical areas around the world where there is rich soil.

Modern Production

Tropical West Africa is the primary producer of cacao beans, with major production also occurring in South America and Southeast Asia. According to the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, the top five cacao bean-producing countries in 2005 were the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Indonesia, Nigeria and Brazil.

Climate

Theobroma cacao trees grow in equatorial regions from about 10 to 20 degrees north latitude to 10 to 20 degrees south latitude, below 1000 feet in altitude. These areas typically have heavy regular rainy seasons and do not experience frosts or freezes. The trees require high humidity and cannot tolerate drought, water-logged soil, or high winds.

Origins

Cacao beans were cultivated and used by the Mayans as far back as 1500 B.C. to make the sacred drink chocolatl. The trees originated somewhere in the Amazon headwaters, and were spread by natives to Central America. Christopher Columbus introduced cacao to the Old World after his fourth voyage, where it became a trendy beverage for the wealthy of the day.

References

• Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations: Countries by Commodity
• Purdue University; Theobroma cacao; James A. Duke; 1983
• University of California: Cacao, Food of the Gods
• University of Louisiana: Some Interesting Facts About Theobroma cacao, the Fruit of Gods