Cacao

Definition

Cacao refers to the seeds of the tropical cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), from which cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and chocolate are made; it also denotes the powder produced by grinding these seeds after fermentation and roasting.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /kæˈkaʊ/
• Respelling: ka‑KOW

British English

• IPA: /kəˈkaʊ/
• Respelling: kuh‑KOW

Etymology

From Spanish cacao, from Nahuatl cacahuatl “bean of the cacao tree,” via Classical Maya kakaw.

Derivatives

• cacao tree (noun)
• cacao bean (noun)
• cacao powder (noun)
• cacao nibs (noun)

Synonyms

• cocoa (when processed)
• chocolate bean
• Theobroma seed

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "cacao" is used in botanical, culinary, and nutritional contexts to refer to the raw seeds of the cacao tree or the powder derived from them. For example, "Farmers harvest ripe pods to extract cacao beans for fermentation," or "High-quality cacao powder is prized for its rich flavor and antioxidants."

Related Terms

• Cocoa: Processed and often sweetened powder or butter derived from cacao.
• Chocolate: A product made from cacao solids and cacao butter.
• Theobroma cacao: The scientific name of the cacao tree.
• Cacao nibs: Broken pieces of roasted cacao beans.
• Aniacids: Antioxidant compounds found in cacao.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The seeds of the cacao tree, used to produce chocolate and cocoa products – harvested from pods, fermented, dried, and roasted.
  • Example: "I decided to make some homemade hot chocolate using a scoop of rich, dark cacao powder."
• The powder produced by grinding roasted cacao seeds, used as an ingredient – contains cocoa solids and some natural fats.
  • Example: "A 100-gram bar of dark chocolate contains 70% cacao, providing 11 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein."