The cocoa bean, also known as the cocoa bean or simply cocoa, is the seed of Theobroma cacao, a tree native to tropical America. These seeds are the basic component for the production of chocolate. After being harvested from the cocoa pods and fermented, the seeds are dried, roasted and further processed to obtain cocoa products such as cocoa powder, cocoa butter and, of course, chocolate.
Cocoa beans are extremely rich in bioactive compounds, especially flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and have been shown to have health benefits when consumed in adequate quantities. These flavonoids, along with other nutrients such as minerals (such as magnesium and iron) and vitamins, make cocoa beans a nutritional source.
Cacao beans are the base for a variety of chocolate products, from chocolate bars to hot chocolate drinks and baked goods. They are also used in the production of beauty and skin care products due to the cocoa butter extracted from them. Additionally, they are gaining popularity in the health food industry and are used in products such as smoothies, energy bars, and cereals.
