Post harvest | Fermentation | Drying | Storage | Shipping | Standards

 

Pre-harvest

Pre-harvest factors that affect cocoa quality.

Environment

Some physical characteristics are influenced by climate during pod development

  • Smaller bean size in the dry season
  • Less butterfat in the dry season
  • Softer cocoa butter when cool

Climate influences drying method used

  • Sun and/or artificial

Methods of cultivation

Planting material

  • Effect on flavour - Criollo, Trinitario, Forastero
  • Bean colour - Pollen donor
  • Bean size - Pollen donor
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Post harvest | Fermentation | Drying | Storage | Shipping | Standards