Whole Cocoa Beans

Whole cacao beans begin their journey as fresh cacao pods harvested from the cacao tree. After extraction from the pods, the beans undergo fermentation, typically in wooden boxes or trays, which develops the flavor profile. They’re then sun-dried to reduce moisture and lock in the nuanced cocoa notes that chocolate enthusiasts love.

In many regions, whole cacao beans are packaged and sold to chocolatiers, specialty grocers, or exported to global markets. Specialty buyers are often willing to pay premium prices for meticulously fermented and dried beans that exhibit unique, region-specific flavor traits. These beans can be found in everything from artisanal chocolate workshops to gourmet food stores, representing the starting point for countless cacao-based products.