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You may already know that we get chocolates from cocoa beans. But did you also know that out of 200 years it takes a tree about 25 years to produce pods?

Here are 19 awesome facts about cocoa:

  • December 13th is National Cocoa Day.
  • The tree takes about five years to produce its first seed pods.
  • Cocoa was first exported to Europe in the year 1585.
  • The first chocolate bar was made in the year 1848.
  • Theobroma is the Latin name for cocoa; it means “food of the gods.”
  • The trees live as long as 200 years but only produce quality pods for 25 years.
  • The trees also need to be planted next to tall trees in order to protect them from direct sunlight.
  • Flavonoid-rich cocoa is effective in lowering blood pressure and improving the elasticity of blood vessels.
  • The consumption of cocoa powder has also shown to be effective in improving insulin resistance and glucose metabolism.
  • The bean shells are an effective and nourishing fertiliser.
  • It contains antioxidants that help repair skin cells and neutralize the effects of free radicals.
  • It requires about 400 cocoa beans to make a pound of chocolate.
  • The United States is the biggest importer of cocoa seeds.
  • Cocoa beans were once used as currency by the Aztecs in Mexico.
  • Cocoa pods are the fruits of the Cacao tree.
  • The reason why the beans are being called cocoa and not cacao beans is due to a spelling mistake made by the English exporters in the 18th century.
  • People have been consuming cocoa for 4,000 years.
  • The soil that the cocoa tree grows on influences the taste of the beans, this explains why chocolates have different taste.
  • West Africa produces more cocoa than any other region in the world.
 

Sources: Organifacts.net and Amp.health.com

Featured image: realfoods.co.uk

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This article was first published on 18th July 2018

amarachi

Amara Adanna Ogbonna is a Christian, foodie, and lover of arts. She spends most of her time on Facebook.

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