Cacao Trees
Theobroma cacao
Cacao trees are native to the deep tropical forests of Central and South America. These trees produce beautiful whitish-pink flowers directly on the trunk which are then followed by cocoa pods which ripen from green to yellow. Inside of these pods are 20-60 cocoa seeds or beans embedded in a white pulp. These beans are the main ingredient in chocolate, cocoa powder, cocoa nibs, chocolate liqueur, chocolate creams and other sweets.
There are so many health benefits associated with consuming cacao that we highly recommend giving this tree a try at home!
These trees are highly tropical and require protection from frost.
| Cacao Details | |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Tropical Fruit |
| Evergreen/Deciduous | Evergreen |
| Tree Size/Habit | 12 – 25 Feet |
| Fruit Shape/Size | Round to 2.5 to 3 Inches |
| Fruit Flavor | Pulp has a complex Sweet and Tart Fruity Flavor |
| Skin Color When Ripe | Yellowish to Orange |
| Fruit Use | Commercial Chocolate (Bean) |
| Fruit Season | Early Summer |
| Light Needs | Full Sun to Part Sun |
| Water Needs | Regular Water |
| USDA Zone | 10b – 12 |