Bean there, done that!
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.