The other day I was driving in town. It was 5:30 in the morning, I was late for work. I driving a bit fast, (54 miles in a 35 mile zone). The f**king cop was going the opposite direction. Cop turned around, and f**king pulled me over. That was f**king ridiculous. I wasn’t hurting anyone, and I was the only car on the road. The cop was just busting my chops, and meeting quota. What a f**king asshole that cop was.

What does this have to do with ? Actually absolutely nothing. I just wanted to tell the story to get this off my chest. On second thought, I’ll have a cup a of to calm down, so I can tell you about cocoa tree.

The cocoa tree is a member of the family of (Genus: Theobroma; Species: Cacao) which is characterized by a deep central root with flowers and seed pods which form on the stalks of the tree. The cocoa tree can grow to 20 feet high though in plantations it doesn’t surpass 8 feet. The trunk has 5 principal branches with minor branches opening in the shape of a fan. The leaves are green ovals 11 inches long offering a heavy shade. The tree begins to flower in its fifth year and is fully productive by its tenth year. Less than 5% of its 100,000 flowers are pollinated. On the same tree, both mature and green fruits may appear.

The most common variety of cocoa grown today is the variety, originally from the Amazon River Valley, grown in Africa and Asia. It is hardier and yields more than the preferred variety, originally from Ecuador and Venezuela. This variety now grows in rainy, higher altitudes of Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean Islands and the northern part of South America. The Criollo variety is difficult to grow. It is vulnerable to environmental threats and has a low yield. Other varieties include the Trinidad hybrid, cundeamor, angoleta, amelonado, consumo and calabacillo. These varieties are less preferred and generally strong and bitter.


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The Criollo variety grown in Mexico is especially prized for its flavor. It is considered delicate with little of the classic chocolate flavor, but rich in an after-taste of long duration. It is nicknamed ‘Noble Cocoa’ and is the most expensive.

Hey by the way, I was glad to have given this lesson on cocoa trees. I feel better already.


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  2. Chocolate Benefits / Fascination
  3. From Cacao to chocolate
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  16. Chocolate Taste
  17. Chocolate Easter Eggs and Good Friday: Easter and Chocolate
  18. Cadbury Chocolate Dairy Milk
  19. Chocolate Houses, Clubs, and Starbucks: What do they have in common?
  20. Cacao Cultivation / Raw Cacao Beans
  21. Chocolate Talk
  22. (Cocoa / Cacao) Beans to (Cocoa / Cacao) Butter
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  24. Chocolate Possible Health Benefits and Myths
  25. How to make (Dark) Chocolate Gift Baskets for All Occasions including Mother's Day
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  27. How to make chocolate from the beginning? Cacao Tree Cultivation Requirements
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  34. The Chocolate Diet - Does It Work? Is it a fad? or Here to stay?
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  60. Commercial Chocolate Making
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