Theobroma Cacao is the scientific name of the cocoa tree. The word Theobroma is defined as "food of the gods", which we here at Patagonia Cacao Company, find to be an accurate translation. Cacao trees grow in a proximitey of fifteen degrees latitude from the Equator. They grow to reach thirty five to fourty feet in height and produce fruit after maturing for roughly ten years. The flowers produced boast no flavour nor taste, making pollination a bit of a scarcity. As a result, only about one in every thousand flowers transforms into a fruit or cacao pod. These pods have a rock-hard exterior and a milky pulp which protect the precious cacao bean.

It is suggested that chocolate can cause quite a stir in the physiological make-up of the human being. While scientific evidence supports such benefits as balanced brain chemistry, building of strong bones and a general 'feeling of well-being", we all know that chocolate is just down right pleasing. Still, it is nice to know that billions of people in the history of mankind share in our enthusiasm and that scientists have actually taken the time to study and support such findings. For more information, visit www.nvogue.com/nVogueFoods/Chocolate/chocolate.htm the benefits of the bean

Cacao boasts a myriad of health benefits. Antioxidant properties were marked by the early Spanish and have been backed by modern scientists. Research findings support that these resistance-building qualities exceed that of green tea and red wine. Another advantage to cacao consumption keeps heart attacks and strokes at bay by inhibit platelet aggregation. So what are you waiting for? Indulge in some chocolate today!