Types of Cocoa: These are the Four Basic Types

Cocoa is mainly divided into four types, although there are now countless variants of the tasty powder. We have summarized what you need to know about these basic varieties here.

You should know these four types of cocoa – Forastero

There are four basic cocoa varieties, derived from the two varieties Forastero and Criollo. Forastero, in turn, is a variety that was introduced to Venezuela.

• Forastero comes from the Amazon. A sub-variety is for example “Bahia”.
• This type of cocoa has a very strong taste.
• However, it is not very aromatic and tastes sour or bitter.
• Forastero can be found in most foods with cocoa.

Criollo: a rare variety

Unlike Forastero, Criollo is rare these days. This is a fine flavor cocoa variety.

• It is also native to Venezuela.
• It tastes sour, but unlike Forastero it is not bitter.
• Criollo also has a strong aroma.
• For example, different types of cocoa that you can find today are related to the basic variety Trinitario, but not to Criollo.

Trinitario: a crossed variety of cocoa

Trinitario is a cross between the two original cocoa varieties from Criollo and Forastero.

• This variety comes from Trinidad.
• About 300 sub-species are derived from Trinitario. These include, for example, the Grenada or Carupano varieties.
• Trinitario has a very strong aroma and flavor.
• This variety can also have a slight acidity.