There are many different varieties of beans grown throughout the world – though always within twenty degrees of the equator.  These are the three most widely used, but the beans from each region can vary enormously – a Criollo bean from Equador will be quite different to a Criollo from Belize.

Criollo:
Simply means ‘of local origin’.  This variety is native to Central America and represents about 5% of the world’s production.  The beans are very distinct, highly aromatic and with very little bitterness.  They’re used in the finest chocolate.  It’s a very difficult bean to grow and doesn’t tolerate different climates.

Forastero:
This means ‘foreigner’ and accounts for 80% of global production.  It’s mainly grown in Africa.  It has a bitter flavour and mainly goes into make everyday chocolate. 

Trinitario:
This good quality bean was developed in Trinidad as a hybrid of Criollo and Forastero.  It’s also grown widely in South East Asia.  The Trinitario has the qualities of the Criollo bean, but is easier to cultivate like the Forastero.