Cocoa beans, the seeds of the cocoa tree, are the primary ingredient in chocolate. They are a rich source of flavonoids, antioxidants that have been linked to a number of health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Cocoa beans are grown in tropical regions around the world, with the majority of production coming from West Africa. The beans are harvested from the cocoa pods, which are then fermented, dried, and roasted. The roasting process brings out the characteristic flavor of cocoa beans.
