Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is a small evergreen tree in the family Sterculiaceae or Malvaceae. Cacao is grown in more than 30 countries around the world in Africa, South America, and Asia, principally in areas that fall within 20°N and 20° S of the equator (FAO 2009). The cacao tree is an understory tree, growing best with some overhead shade. The seeds of the cacao tree are used to make cacao and chocolate. The fruit, called a cacao pod, contains 20-60 seeds, usually called beans. The pods consist of the husks and the beans. Every bean is surrounded by a thin shell. The pods are harvested, the husks are removed, and the beans are dried and fermented. After fermentation, drying, and packing, the beans, including the shells, are trans­ported to the location of the cacao industry.