about Cacao Beans
Did you know that....
1. The Theobroma cacao tree, also known as the cocoa tree, is native to the Amazon rainforest and has a long history with the ancient Maya civilization. This tree produces cacao beans, which are the main ingredient in chocolate.
2. Chocolate first came to Florida on a Spanish ship in 1641. It is believed that the first American chocolate house opened in Boston in 1682. By 1773, cocoa beans were a major import in the American colonies and chocolate was enjoyed by people from all walks of life. (Source: History. Com).
3. Chocolate was used as rations and sometimes as payment for soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Chocolate was also given as rations to soldiers during World War II. (Source: History. Com).
4. Cacao beans are harvested and dried, then fermented and cracked to produce small, dark pieces. Harvesting of cocoa beans can take up to a year, but most crops are collected from October to February and from May to August. Cacao beans are also grown in specific regions of the world. 70% of the world crop is grown in West Africa.
5. Cocoa is the key ingredient in most chocolate products. Raw cacao is made by cold-pressing unroasted cacao and has been called a “superfood” because of its high levels of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. (MD Web).
6. A preliminary study shows that eating dark chocolate (70% cacao) lowered chemical markers of stress. The mood benefits are more likely to be due to the good taste of cocoa products, rather than to specific nutrients. (Source: WebMD)
Sources of data - WebMD, The Spruce, Food Network, NPR, Various Others
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