Cocoa is the name given to the seeds of the cocoa tree and the powder produced from these. Cocoa powder is needed to produce chocolate and is one of the most important export commodities from the developing countries.
The cocoa plant is relatively demanding. It only grows on nutrient-rich soil at temperatures in excess of 16 degrees. It also requires large amounts of water. The only regions which are suitable for cultivating cocoa are the warmest and rainiest tropics between the 20th parallel north and the 20th parallel south.
Although there are around 20 different species of cocoa, only two species are used to produce chocolate: Criollo and Forastero. Its producing regions are in South America. Forastero is less demanding and more robust.
It is cultivated in African countries and used in cocoa mixtures. Cocoa is imported primarily by rich industrialised countries such as the USA and Europe. Within Europe, Germany is one of the main importers of cocoa. Cocoa was discovered over 3, years ago.
The Mayas and the Aztecs worshiped the cocoa tree and used a drink made from its fruits in religious rituals. The tremendous importance of cocoa is also apparent from the fact that they sacrificed gold, precious stones and cocoa to their dead. Cocoa beans were also used as a means of payment. In Europe, chocolate was a luxury product for a long time and could be found in every noble household from the baroque era onwards. In England, however, chocolate was already being consumed by ordinary citizens, while in Italy, France and Germany it was still reserved to royalty.
