cacao

Cacao is the raw form of chocolate — the tropical tree (Theobroma cacao) and its beans before they’re roasted, ground, or turned into anything sweet.

This minimally processed form of the cacao beans is the foundation for chocolate. Cacao beans, also called cocoa beans, are the seeds within the fruit of the cacao tree. Cocoa is the term used for the processed form of cacao, typically a powder, after the beans have been roasted and ground.

See also cocoa, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, cocoa powder

For lots more information, check our our post, The Chocolate Lab.