The Cacao Tree grows in the shade, reaching a height of between 3 and 8 meters. It starts to bear fruit after 4 or 5 years. Its leaves, which look like chestnut tree leaves, remain on the tree all year round. It has small, white flowers which blossom for most of the year. Flowers, leaves and fruit are all to be found together on the tree all year. The fruit is harvested twice a year. The "pods"(fruit of the cacao tree) are of a yellowish orange color measuring about 25cm long and 15cm wide and weighing 500g. Each pod contains between 20 and 50 seeds. Harvesting begins when the tree reaches maturity and involves several stages. The pods are picked and then opened.T he seeds are extracted and left to ferment for 2 to 7 days, after which they are dried. It is once the drying process is complete that they are called cocoa beans.

 

Plants of Belize