Produce Briefs...
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime, scientific name, X Citrofortunella mitis & Citrus microcarpa, is also known as the lime orange, Chinese orange or Calamondin orange.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Pinkglow™ Pineapple
Pinkglow™ pineapples are small to medium fruits with an oval to cylindrical shape.
Cacao Pods
Inventory, lb : 36.67
This item was last sold on : 05/20/22
Description/Taste
Cacao pods are the raw product used to make chocolate and cocoa in its many forms. The Cacao beans are found within pods which grow directly out of the trunk of Cacao tree. The bark of the tree is smooth and brownish gray with leaves that are dark green and about the size of an outstretched human hand. The fruit, or pod, is oblong, between 4 and 12 inches long, ranging in color from yellow to orange to purple. Pods will contain 20-40 seeds which sit within a juicy, sweet-sour pulp. When ripe, the seeds rattle within the fruit when shaken. It takes 7-14 pods to produce one pound of beans. Flavor of the beans depends on variety as well as growing conditions such as soil temperature, sunshine, and rainfall.
Seasons/Availability
The trees bear leaves and fruit year-round, but the main harvest usually begins at the end of the rainy season and may extend for 3 months.
Current Facts
Cacao, botanically known as Theobroma cacao, is an evergreen tree that flourishes within 15 degrees on either side of the equator, an area sometimes called the “cocoa belt”. It grows best in the shade of other trees, such as bananas where it is protected from wind and sun. There are four main types of Cacao trees. Nacional and Criollo grown mainly in South and Central America are more difficult to grow, produce low yields, and both boast superb aroma and flavor. Forastero grows faster with a higher yield than the other types and is widely grown throughout the world, as is Trinitario, a hybrid variety. Trinitario has the qualities of Criollo with the high yield and growing properties of Forastero.
Nutritional Value
Cacao contains theobromine, caffeine, tannins, polyphenols, nitrogen, fiber and 40-50% fatty matter. Theobromine is an alkaloid similar to caffeine but less powerful in its effect on the nervous system. Raw Cacao is thought to be one of the highest sources of antioxidants and magnesium of all foods.
Applications
When the Cacao pods are ripe, they are cut open and the beans are allowed to ferment in order to be more easily separated from the shells. They are prepared for commerce by drying in the sun. Cocoa is the product of Cacao seeds being dried, roasted and ground into a powder. Cocoa is used in a myriad of culinary applications such as baking, chocolate bars, drinks, and other familiar dishes. It also has emollient properties and is used as an ingredient in cosmetics. Cacao pods and seeds should be kept in a cool, dry place.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Cacao cultivation dates back to 1500 BCE by the Mayans, who attributed divine origin to the tree, brought by Quetzacoatl. Also revered by the Aztecs, Cacao played a very important role in Central and South American culture, medicine and cuisine. Aztecs produced a beverage called xoxoatl. The beans were used as currency. Typical preparation involved fermenting, roasting and grinding the beans into a paste, which was then mixed with water and often added to corn, chile peppers and other spices.
Geography/History
Cacao was named Theobroma by Linnaeus, meaning ‘food of the gods’. Native to South America’s lowlands, it moved on from there to Central America. The beans were introduced to the Spanish in the 16th century and the first chocolate bar was made in Switzerland in 1819. The Portuguese introduced the trees to Africa in the early 17th century, and today there are an estimated 1.5 million cocoa farms in West Africa. Cacao trees can be found in many countries today, but leading suppliers are Ivory Coast, Ghana, Indonesia, Nigeria, Brazil, Cameroon, Ecuador, Dominican Republic and Papua New Guinea.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Cashew Later Sauce Company,LLC | San Diego CA | 858-663-0931 |
| Coco Maya by Miss Bs | San Diego CA | 858-245-3780 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cacao Pods. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Dandelion Chocolate |
|
Preparing Fresh Cacao Pods |
Recently Shared
People have shared Cacao Pods using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Coconut Grove Farmer's Market
Coconut Grove Organic Farmers Market
Near Coral Gables, Florida, United States305-238-7747 About 7 days ago, 5/14/22 
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand & Farm
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand
Near Florida City, Florida, United States19200 SW 344th St Homestead FL 33034 305-246-1592 https://robertishere.com About 7 days ago, 5/14/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 58 days ago, 3/24/22 Sharer's comments : Cocao Pods 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 86 days ago, 2/24/22 Sharer's comments : Cacao Pods back at Specialty Produce 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 104 days ago, 2/06/22 Sharer's comments : Cacao Pods 
Coconut Grove Farmer's Market
Near Coral Gables, Florida, United StatesAbout 112 days ago, 1/29/22 
Foodtown
Near Davie, Florida, United StatesAbout 113 days ago, 1/28/22 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 115 days ago, 1/26/22 Sharer's comments : Cacao Pods in at Specialty Produce!! 
Yellow Green Farmers Market
Near Hollywood, Florida, United StatesAbout 118 days ago, 1/23/22 
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand & Farm
Near Florida City, Florida, United StatesAbout 120 days ago, 1/21/22 
Robert Is Here Fruit Stand & Farm
Robert is Here Fruit Stand
Near Florida City, Florida, United States19200 SW 344th Street, Homestead, FL 33034 305-246-1592 http://Robertoshere.com About 181 days ago, 11/21/21 
Glaser's Farmer's Market
Coconut Grove Organic Farmers Market
Near Coral Gables, Florida, United States305-238-7747 About 182 days ago, 11/20/21 
Food Town Grocery, Davies, FL
Food Town Grocery
Near Davie, Florida, United States6431 Stirling Rd Davie Davie FL 33314 1-954-797-7791 About 183 days ago, 11/19/21 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 476 days ago, 1/30/21 Sharer's comments : Cacao pods 
Specialty Produce
SpecialtyProduce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock street San Diego CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 478 days ago, 1/28/21 Sharer's comments : Cacao pods 
Specialty Produce
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United States1929 Hancock Street San Diego, CA 92110 619-295-3172 About 491 days ago, 1/15/21 |
