Cocoa is a cash crop grown throughout the humid tropics with about 6.5 million hectares planted with the crop in 57 countries. Although cocoa has been cultivated for centuries in Central America, it is a relative newcomer to Africa, and even more recent in Asia. In 1998, world production reached 2.7 million tons of cocoa beans. Africa holds a dominant position with almost 70% of production volumes, 40% coming from the Cote d Ivoire. Ghana (15%) and Indonesia (12%) are two other important producers. The average yield is approximately 400 kg of beans/ha/year.
Cocoa is thought to have first been used by the Maya civilization of Central America.
It was introduced to Europe by Spanish conquerors in the 16th century and quickly became popular as a health-promoting medicine.
Cocoa powder is made by crushing cocoa beans and removing the fat or cocoa butter.
Today, cocoa is most famous for its role in chocolate production. However, modern research has revealed that it does indeed contain important compounds that can benefit your health.
Benefits
1) Rich in Polyphenols That Provide Several Health Benefits
2) May Reduce High Blood Pressure by Improving Nitric Oxide Levels
3) Cocoa has other properties that may reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke
4) Polyphenols Improve Blood Flow to Your Brain and Brain Function
5) May Improve Mood and Symptoms of Depression by Various Means
6) Flavanols May Improve Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
7) May Aid Weight Control in Many Surprising Ways
8) May Have Cancer-Protective Properties
9) Theobromine and Theophylline Contents May Help People With Asthma
10) Antibacterial and Immune-Stimulating Properties May Benefit Your Teeth and Skin
Natural Solid Cacao nibs are small pieces of crushed cacao beans â?? or cocoa beans â?? that have a bitter, chocolatey flavor.
Theyâ??re produced from beans derived from the Theobroma cacao tree, also known as the cocoa tree. Cocoa beans are dried after harvesting, then fermented and cracked to produce small, dark bits â?? or cacao nibs.
Some cacao nibs are roasted while others are not. Unroasted cacao nibs are called raw cacao nibs.
These rich, chocolatey nibs are loaded with nutrients and powerful plant compounds that have been shown to benefit health in many ways.
They are packaged in Jute sacks, Kraft Paper Sacks or Cartons
They are usually packaged in 10kg, 20kg, 50kg units
