Spanish Name
Cacao
Scientific Name
Theobroma cacao
Category
Fruit
Perennial/Annual
Perennial
Edible parts
Fruit
Recipes
Growth Type
Small-Tree
Usage
CulinaryNutritionalMedicinalFruit-FreshPollinator
Life Cycle
Secondary
Origin
Central America
Strata Category
LowMedium
How to eat
Crack open pod, eat white pulp inside. Spit out seed and save for fermentation.
Nutritional Info
Rich in Magnesium, iron, fiber, good source of potassium, zink, copper, manganese, Theobromine
Medicinal Uses
Cardiovascular health, supports blood vessel function and lower blood pressure, boosts mood and alertness, among the highest antioxidant foods, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac
Planting Distance
3–4 meters between trees. Interplant with shade/support trees (e.g., banana, inga, gliricidia)
Harvest Time
3–4 years after planting (grafted) 4–5 years, sometimes more (seed-grown)