cacao pods

Cacao pods are colorful, bumpy fruits that grow directly on cacao trees, which produce the beans used to make chocolate. Each pod varies in size, shape, and color, typically ranging from green to yellow, red, or purple when ripe. Inside, the pods contain seeds called cacao beans embedded in a sweet, sticky pulp. After harvesting, the beans undergo fermentation and drying before being processed into chocolate products. The pods are essential for cacao production, serving as the initial source of the beans that ultimately become the chocolate we enjoy.