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The cacao beans are the dried and fully fermented fatty seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree. These beans are an essential ingredient for chocolate and various other cocoa products. Extremely popular in demand, the global cacao beans market was valued at US$ 13,603.2 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a rate of 6.9% from 2023 to 2033.
Across the various stages from cacao beans’ drying to cacao beans’ roasting, they maintain their authentic flavour and aroma. However, preserving the originality of these precious beans presents a unique set of challenges that demand careful attention and specialized solutions. Let's dive deep into these complexities, the keys to handling them, and how packaging-solution brands like Ecotact have taken considerable steps in preserving the cacao beans’ essence.
Cacao Beans Preservation: Challenges And Solutions
The journey of cacao beans from harvest to the final product is difficult. Various factors affect the quality of the cacao beans. Here are some of these factors, their impacts, and how can it be managed effectively:
Place of storage: Cacao beans are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Hence, the cacao beans’ storage is done in a cool and dry place with optimal light and temperature to avoid any kind of degradation. In popular cocoa-producing regions like Ghana or Ecuador, beans are often stored in warehouses with sufficient light. Moreover, the controlled humidity levels in well-built warehouses prevent moisture buildup and maintain quality.
Moisture and Oxygen levels: During the initial stages of drying and fermentation, it is crucial that the cacao beans get enough air circulation. This helps prevent mold and promotes even fermentation. But after the beans are dried up and ready for storage it’s essential to protect them from excessive air exposure. Oxygen can lead to oxidation of the fats present in cacao beans leading to mustiness and off-flavor. To avoid this and any other unwanted gasses and chemicals entering the cacao beans, they should be stored in vacuum-sealed bags.
Environmental factors: Excessive rain and sunlight are other factors that can harm the cacao beans. Hence, maintaining optimal weather conditions is essential for preserving its authenticity. Proper storage facilities help mitigate these adverse effects and are crucial for cacao bean preservation.
Packaging solutions: Along with the other factors affecting their quality, cacao beans’ packaging plays the most pivotal role. The beans must be stored in bags that maintain their water content and protect them from external moisture. Optimum cacao beans’ packaging aims to keep the beans from deterioration during storage, after drying and sorting. Hence, the cacao beans must be packaged in clean bags that are strong (against weather conditions) and made of non-toxic food-grade material.
Ecotact: The Best Packaging Solution For Cacao Beans
As discussed above, various standards must be met when it comes to finding the right cacao beans’ packaging. But the question here is: Can any packaging brand meet all these criteria? The answer is, YES! Ecotact Cacao Bean Bags are all one needs. A specialized storage and packaging solution, Ecotact keeps cacao beans, green coffee beans, and any other food grains as fresh as the day they were harvested.
Ecotact brings innovative 9-layer hermetically sealed bags - a packaging solution that ensures complete protection against oxidation and maintains optimal flavor. Ecotact’s vacuum pack bags are eco-friendly, sustainable, and 100% recyclable. Crafted with exceptional moisture barrier properties, these sustainable cacao bean packaging solutions prevent moisture loss and preserve the freshness and flavor of cacao beans for a very long period.
Begin your journey with Ecotact, to preserve your favorite cacao beans at their best!
