To date, you can find two main classifications of cocoa beans , which are widely used.
The first, most simple and common classification of cocoa beans is based on the flavor and performance of cocoa beans. This classification divides cocoa beans into three main varieties:
- Cocoa beans of the variety (group) Criollo is an elite, expensive, but low-yielding variety of cocoa beans,
- Cocoa beans of the Forastero variety (group) , with respect to the Criollo variety, have lower quality, but they have a higher yield, as they are more resistant to various pests, diseases and unpretentious.
- Cocoa beans of the Trinitario variety (group) , in terms of quality and productivity, are a transitional variety of cocoa beans between Forastero and Criollo.
The second, less common genetic classification of cocoa beans has been applied since 2008. The new genomic classification of cocoa beans was based on the results of morphographic analysis and genetic differences , which allowed the identification of different varieties of cocoa beans using a molecular marketer. The method of authentication of varietal purity of the genome of cocoa beans and the origin of cocoa beans, chocolatiers, in the end, identified ten varieties of cocoa beans, which became known by the names of geographical places of origin of cocoa beans, or by the traditional names of previously known varieties of cocoa beans.
A characteristic set of cocoa bean DNA markers called SNPs has become, as it were, the “fingerprints” of various types of cocoa beans .
So, according to the genetic classification, today, there are ten varieties of cocoa beans:
At the same time, in each individual variety (group) of cocoa beans, identified by genetic characteristics, includes many different sub-varieties (subgroups) and hybrids (genetically mixed varieties) of cocoa beans .
The new classification of cocoa beans is used mainly by professional chocolatiers engaged in the production of high-end, expensive. gourmet chocolate, for which both flavoring and aromatic bouquets and notes of cocoa beans used are very important.