Semen cacao

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

Cocoa; Cocoa bean; Cocoa seeds

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Semen cacao is the name given to the seeds of Theobroma cacao, the cacao tree, a tree from the cacao family native to tropical West Africa, Brazil and the Philippines, which can grow up to 5m high. The seeds are embedded in the cucumber-like cacao fruit, which is about 20 cm long. The 40-60 white, bitter cocoa seeds are subjected to a special fermentation process lasting several days, which causes them to lose their bitterness and take on their familiar brown-red colour.

Ingredient(s)This section has been translated automatically.

40-50% fat (cocoa butter), 15% protein, 8% starch, 1-4% theobromine, 0.1-0.4% caffeine, 7% tannins, 2% sugar and others: 40-50% fat (cocoa butter), 15% protein, 8% starch, 1-4% theobromine, 0.1-0.4% caffeine, 7% tannins, 2% sugar and others

Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.

Cacao oleum is obtained from the roasted and crushed seeds. Cacao oleum was formerly used mainly for suppositories and vaginal balls.

Cosmetics: Under the INCI designation "Theobroma cacao butter" the butter-like extract from the seeds of Theobroma cacao is used in cosmetic formulations. It acts as an emollient and consistency enhancer (also in lipsticks).

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020