Discovering Multiple Types of Cacao
Some very interesting discoveries have been made about the genetics of cacao over the last decade.
It has been thought for many years that there were only 3 types of cacao (Cacao is the tropical fruit that chocolate is made from). The 3 main types are called Forastero, Criollo and Trinitario. Each of these types have distinct flavors and properties, each with its own sub groups distinct to specific growing regions (i.e. Forastero Brazil Manaus Variety).
The Genetic Mapping of Cacao
The genetic mapping of cacao has revealed that there are actually 10 distinct types of cacao - an additional 7 types from the originally named 3 of Forastero, Criollo and Trinitario. Many of the long standing thoughts and perceptions of cacao, such as the regional development and categorization, will be re-evaulated.
Another Discovery - The Original Cacao Tree
Another interesting discovery from the genetic mapping is that the original cacao trees were first grown in Central America (probably Honduras), Ecuador and Venezuela.