By Sophia Busam
In early 2024, cocoa prices rose to over $11,000 per metric ton, nearly three times higher than the average price for the past 40 years. This increase was caused by supply limitations attributed to a combination of aging cacao trees, disease, and the impacts of climate change.1 Cacao trees require specific conditions to grow, notably consistent temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rain. In short, they thrive in rainforests. However, increasing global temperatures will significantly reduce the land area suitable for cocoa production by 2050.2 Moreover, production has been significantly limited by black pod disease, a fungal disease that spreads via heavy rainfalls and causes a loss of up to a third of the product from cacao trees.
It’s not just the crop being impacted. The ‘Cacao Belt’ refers to the tropical production regions near the equator responsible for the majority of cocoa production, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Ecuador.3 Cocoa farming is a significant employer in these regions, employing nearly a quarter of the population of Côte d’Ivoire alone.4 In general, most cacao producers live on an estimated $2 a day with current levels of production. However, with more limited supply available, the impact to workers is detrimental. It is more imperative than ever to minimize cocoa production waste.
Current Cacao Husk Waste
Less than 30% of a whole cacao pod is used during the typical chocolate production process.5 This is because the only element utilized is the bean. In fact, cacao husks, or the fibrous shells that surround the bean, account for approximately two thirds of a cacao pod. As a result, about 700,000 tons/year of cacao waste are left on the field to decay, often damaging the soil as they degrade or further spreading black pod disease.6
Yet, these cacao husks also offer several health benefits. They are rich in dietary fiber, lignin, bioactive antioxidants, and theobromine (a natural compound which provides a gentle energy boost). There are a few different ways in which cacao pod husks can be utilized. They can be dried and pulverized into a powder that can be used for food production.7 They can also be burned into ash and used for their potash as a source for soap making.8 Lastly, they can be steeped in hot water to make a tea. In short, if parts of the cacao bean like the husk were managed properly, the byproducts could help revitalize degraded landscapes and provide additional food.
Cacao Tea
Cacao tea was first discovered by the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations.9 Rich in chocolate tea and aroma, the tea offers a natural alternative to chocolate or coffee. Even better, it is low calorie, high in nutrients, provides caffeine-free energy from the small amounts of theobromine, and is a sustainable product. It offers a guilt-free chocolate experience.
What About Cacao Fruit Waste?
The cacao fruit pulp that surrounds the bean is also often discarded during production. However, it can also be utilized to make a sweet drink or concentrated into a syrup. This syrup can be used in a variety of applications from sour ales to sauces and marinades. It also boasts similar health benefits and caffeine-free natural stimulant from theobromine. Interested in learning more about cacao fruit syrup? We have previously spotlighted it as part of our upcycled ingredient series on the blog.
Calling All Cacao Fans!
We offer both cacao fruit syrup and cacao tea as part of our ingredient marketplace so reach out to us here to learn more!
Sources
- https://foodchainmagazine.com/news/decoding-the-global-chocolate-crisis/#:~:text=However,%20a%20drastic%20shift%20has%20occurred,%20leaving%20the ↩︎
- https://www.climate.gov/news-features/climate-and/climate-chocolate ↩︎
- https://www.wri.org/insights/hidden-benefits-cacao-waste ↩︎
- Ibid ↩︎
- https://cocoafuture.org/blogs/blog/upcycling-whole-cacao-pod-husks#:~:text=The%20Cacao%20Pod%20Husk&text=Once%20the%20pulp%2Dcovered%20cacao,spreading%20black%20pod%20rot%20disease. ↩︎
- https://www.biocycle.net/cocoa-pod-circular-economy/ ↩︎
- https://cocoafuture.org/blogs/blog/upcycling-whole-cacao-pod-husks#:~:text=The%20Cacao%20Pod%20Husk&text=Once%20the%20pulp%2Dcovered%20cacao,spreading%20black%20pod%20rot%20disease. ↩︎
- Ibid ↩︎
- https://www.cacaoteaco.com/#:~:text=Cacao%20tea%20(also%20known%20as,and%20is%20high%20in%20antioxidant ↩︎
