cacao
cacao Lexical Profile
cacao Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The bitter, fatty seed (or bean) obtained from the pods of the cacao tree, or the minimally processed powder and nibs made from it, used as the primary raw ingredient for chocolate and cocoa.
"The pastry chef sprinkled raw cacao nibs over the chocolate mousse for added crunch and bitterness."
A small, evergreen tropical tree (Theobroma cacao) in the family Malvaceae, native to the deep tropical regions of Central and South America and widely cultivated for its seed-bearing pods.
"Smallholder farmers in West Africa cultivate cacao underneath the shade of taller rainforest trees."
The large, ovoid, ribbed fruit pod produced by the cacao tree, which grows directly from the trunk and branches and contains sweet mucilaginous pulp surrounding several rows of seeds.
"Harvesters use sharp machetes to split open the ripe cacao and scoop out the pulp-covered beans inside."
Word Nuance & Usage
In culinary and agricultural usage, 'cacao' typically refers to the tree, its fruit pods, or its raw, unroasted seeds and cold-pressed powder, whereas 'cocoa' refers to the roasted, processed powder and beverages made from it.
• Rhymes for cacao
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-16th century via Spanish from Nahuatl 'cacahuatl', denoting the seed of the cacao tree, which itself ultimately derives from a Mixe-Zoquean or Mayan source.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.