cacao bean

Or cocoa bean

noun

1. a seed of the cacao tree.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cacao bean¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

The wholesale price of the key ingredient, cocoa – which is made from fermented, roasted and ground cacao beans – has increased by an astonishing 300% in 2024.

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Chocolate itself first began as Xocolatl, or “bitter water,” a spiced drink made from ground cacao beans, chiles and spices that originated with the Aztecs and Mayans.

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Unlike cacao beans, which are used to create chocolate, carob is naturally sweet and does not contain the stimulants caffeine or theobromine, which may be appealing to some, and unappealing to others.

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During production, cacao beans are separated into meaty solids, known as nibs, and a fatty portion called cocoa butter.

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Freshly harvested cacao beans don’t have much lead, but as they dry, they accumulate dust.

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