Tropical Plant Guide: On the Search for Cacao

For this cacao sourcing trip, our Marketing Director, Becca, found herself in the rainforests of Ecuador. Read about the tropics that are home to cacao, as well as many other plants!

On a recent trip to Ecuador, I was overwhelmed by the amount of biodiversity found on cacao farms. So many different plant and bird species coexisting in the beautiful Amazon rainforest. Farmers use fruits and vegetables they grow in both their homes and also to sell in local markets.

Cacao grows alongside hardwood trees, medicinal plants, and fruit trees. The plant prefers humid climates with rich soil. Surrounding tropical fruits often contribute to the flavor profiles of the cacao itself.

Some of the plants you might find on cacao farms in Ecuador:

chili peppers