What’s inside a cocoa pod?

I was lucky to receive a phone call from a friend saying that she had found some fresh cocoa pods for sale and would I like one? For those of you who know me, you’ll understand how excited this made me. The pods (I have 2) are about 30cm in length, are dark red in colour and come from Ecuador.

So today, I decided to cut one of the pods in half as I wanted to taste the fleshy pulp that surrounds the cocoa beans. It actually tasted really nice. A little bit like lychee in texture but also in taste, with a sweet, fresh fruity flavour.

Below are some pictures showing what the fresh beans inside the pod look like.

I’ve now placed the beans in a box on a tray with holes in it so that the pulp can drain off. I’ve also covered them with parchment paper and closed the lid of the box to try and mimick the anaerobic fermentation process. This should last for 2 days and then I will let the air in and ferment for a few more days. I’ve also placed them somewhere warm - next to my Aga - as I think this reflects the climate they come from.