13K views · 120 reactions | Chocolate grows on trees  This is Theobroma cacao, a tree that produces pods containing cacao (or ‘cocoa’) beans. When crushed the beans yield cocoa mass which forms the basis of chocolate  Other plants like sugar cane and vanilla are commonly used alongside cacao to create the delicious treat many of us will be consuming this Easter 襤 #cacao #cacaobeans #rainforest #chocolate | Eden Project | Facebook

FROM CACAO TREE TO COCOA POWDER This is how the best thing in the world is made! Although cacao trees are native to Mexico, they were introduced by the Spaniards into the West Indies, Europe, and South Asia. A few decades ago, cocoa production was the main economic sector in Sri Lanka, and these trees are still the most important crop in some areas. Source: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFnF_vrT0w0 | TasteAtlas

Frequent harvesting of cacao means regularly collecting ripe cacao pods from the trees — usually every 2 to 3 weeks during the main harvest season. 🌰🍫 Here’s why it’s important and what happens when you do it often: ✅ Advantages of Frequent Harvesting 1. Better bean quality – Ripe pods are processed quickly, preventing overripe or moldy beans. 2. Higher yield – Regular picking encourages trees to produce more flowers and pods. 3. Pest control – Reduces the chance of pod borer, rats, or fungus