Cocoa tree (Theobroma grandiflorum)
Other names: Bubroma grandiflorum, Theobroma macrantha, Guazuma grandiflora, Cupuaçú, Lupu, Copoasú, Copuazú, Cupuarana, Cupuasú
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
The large-flowered cocoa tree, scientifically known as Theobroma grandiflorum, is a plant related to the cocoa tree, the plant from which cocoa beans are extracted for chocolate production. This species is native to the Amazon and is known by many other names, including Bubroma grandiflorum, Theobroma macrantha, Guazuma grandiflora, Cupuaçú, Lupu, Copoasú, Copuazú, Cupuarana and Cupuasú. The plant is popular for its large fruit, which has brown bark and a white or yellow fleshy interior.
The products of the large-flowered cacao tree are mainly used in food and cosmetics. The fruit produces a semi-solid fat - called cupuaçú butter - which is used as a moisturising ingredient in cosmetic products such as creams, lip balms and moisturising masks. The fruit is also made into juice, jams, yoghurt, sorbets and various desserts. The kernels of the fruit can be roasted and further processed, similar to cocoa beans. The resulting product has a distinctive chocolate flavour with a certain acidity and fruity notes that is milder than that of traditional cocoa. The large-flowered cocoa bean is therefore an interesting alternative for those looking for non-traditional flavour options as part of their chocolate diet.
Cocoa tree (Theobroma grandiflorum) can be found in the following products
