What is cocoa derived from?
It comes directly from the cacao tree, which fruits colorful pods that are filled with large cacao seeds, called cacao beans. When these beans are naturally fermented, roasted at low temperatures and cold-pressed (separating out most of the fat, a.k.a cacao butter), cacao powder is the result.
How much does a cocoa tree produce?
The Cacao tree grows in the tropics and it is from this tree that cacao pods are harvested. Each tree produces approximately 30 pods a year. Each pod contains roughly 40 cocoa beans. It takes approximately 500 beans to make 1 pound of chocolate, so therefore each tree produces about 2 pounds of chocolate a year.
Is growing cocoa beans profitable?
Despite cocoa being a lucrative – and growing – industry, many cocoa producers live in poverty. Unfortunately this means most cocoa farmers see only a fraction of the total income earned from cocoa beans and the resulting products.
What is the average yield of cocoa per hectare?
Unfortunately, its productivity level in the same period results only around 655 kg per hectare. In comparison, the productivity of cocoa in Malaysia reaches about 1800 kg per hectare, around 800 kg per hectare in Ivory coast, while in Ghana it reaches about 360 kg per hectare [1].
Does cocoa grow all year round?
Cocoa trees don’t just grow anywhere. In fact, they need a hot and humid climate to flourish. Between them, these two countries alone provide around 50% of the world’s cocoa beans.
What is the planting distance for cocoa?
First mark the rows for the cocoa trees, leaving about 2.5 to 3 metres between rows. Along each row, mark out with pegs the spots where the cocoa trees are to go. Leave about 2.5 to 3 metres between trees. In this way you can plant about 1 000 to 1 600 seedlings per hectare.
What is the spacing of cocoa?
Cocoa trees do not survive under scorching sunlight, but do under some trees. They equally grow poorly under heavy shadows. Therefore, clearing the land demands that smaller forest trees are left at the spacing of about four metres apart to serve as covers for cocoa seedlings.
What are the most Favourable factors for growing cocoa?
It requires a minimum of 90-100 mm rainfall per month with an annual rainfall of 1500-2000 mm. The plants need equitable climate with well distributed rainfall. If dry periods are prolonged, irrigation scheduling is necessary. The temperature range of 15°-39°C with optimum of 25°C is considered ideal.
Where does cocoa grow best?
The growing area for cacao ranges from approximately 10° north to 10° south of the Equator. Most cacao is grown in Africa but cacao is now also cultivated in a tropical belt worldwide. The Ivory Coast and Ghana are the world’s top two producers, followed by Indonesia, Nigeria and Cameroon.