Are all Chocolate Trees alike or have they genes evolved into different “races?” Andrew Polandowski, NY, NY
A. Good question! There are several different kinds of “Chocolate Trees,” Andrew. And even within one kind of tree, there will be many variations. Like wine grapes, cocoa beans are a direct reflection of the quality of the soil and the climate in which they are grown they develop different characteristics when grown in different regions. The Criollo Bean Rules! The criollo cocoa bean possesses a complex, fragrant and nutty flavor, and it produces the most prized chocolate in the world. These rare beauties love the humid climate of Central and South America, but the criollo trees are very fragile, and require lots of TLC. There have been no new plantings for the past 50 years, outside of Venezuela another reason why the best chocolate is more expensive. The Forastero Bean is Prolific. The forastero bean is far more abundant, because its easier-to-grow. Although this bean lacks the aroma and delicacy of the criollo, it accounts for about 90 percent of the world’s production the source fo
