cacao beans

Cacao beans are the seeds of the cacao tree, native to tropical regions of Central and South America. They are the primary ingredient in chocolate production. Each cacao pod contains numerous beans, which are fermented, dried, roasted, and processed to extract cocoa solids and cocoa butter. Cacao is also rich in antioxidants and is believed to have various health benefits. Additionally, it has been used for centuries in cultural rituals and as a source of currency by ancient civilizations. Today, cacao plays a crucial role in the global chocolate industry and in various culinary applications.