Cocoa

Description

Cocoa (Food of the Gods), is cultivated for the edible pulp around and the “beans,” constitute the economic part of this crop, grows in tiers i.e., the seedling grows upward to a height of 1–1.5 m and then three to fve lateral branches arise. In India, cocoa is grown primarily as an intercrop in Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, as the tree requires about 40-50 per cent shade.

Plant type – Small tree

Age – 10 months

Uses – Chocolated; Beverages, Flavouring ingredient

Health benefits – Improves heart health; Controls blood sugar level etc.