Cacao

Theobroma cacao, meaning "the food of the gods" in Greek, refers to the cacao tree and its product. It primarily grows for its seeds, known as cocoa beans, which are used to make cocoa mass, cocoa powder, and chocolate.

The cacao tree grows in tropical regions between 10 to 20 degrees north and south of the equator, known as the “Cocoa Belt.” It thrives in Central and South America, West Africa, and parts of Southeast Asia like the Philippines and Indonesia. Typically grown in the shade of other trees, the cacao tree begins to bear fruit in 18 months and reaches full production capacity after about five years, yielding 70 to 100 pods annually.

Here at Rooted Farm we grow BR25, UF 18, and some Fonastero cacao varieties throughout the farm.