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What are the main varieties of cocoa beans imported to the Netherlands?

Cocoa Bean
Netherlands
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By Jinwoo Cheon
Updated 2021년 10월 22일
The main varieties of cocoa beans imported to the Netherlands are Forastero, Criollo, and Trinitario.
  • Forastero is the predominant cocoa variety. It is mainly cultivated in Africa, but also in Central and South America. It accounts for around 80% of global cocoa production. Generally, bulk cocoa beans come from Forastero trees. Well-known Forastero subspecies are Amelonado and Nacional.
  • Criollo (original cocoa tree) is mainly grown in Central America, Northern South America, the Caribbean, and Sri Lanka. Criollo makes up around 5% of global cocoa production. The beans have a delicate and sweet flavor. Criollo is often mixed with other varieties when making chocolate, given that it is scarce and expensive. Well-known varieties are Chuao, Porcelana, and Ocumare.
  • Trinitario is mainly cultivated in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Asia. The beans are a hybrid of the Criollo and Forastero trees. This variety represents around 10-15% of global cocoa production. The beans have a floral, fruity flavor. Cameroonian cocoa beans produced from Trinitario trees are classified as bulk cocoa beans. Well-known varieties are Carenero, Rio Caribe, and Sur del Lago.
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