I did not realise the pods looked like that when they are opened up. Sure looks tastier as a chocolate bar versus a-la-natural when it reminds me of a Scottish Haggis...

They dont usually but all the seeds had germinated inside. At first I thought it was full of worms!

Most likely Criollo .

The truth is it's unfortunatley impossible to tell from looks. I've been in plantations and seen the fruit pods vary so much in shape colour and size in the same variety. This is because of the amazing variety of genes in each seed.

One tree can be pollenated by many other trees in each of its flowers, plus trees can pollenate themselves, resulting in great visiual variety. Only genetic tests can identify cocoa.

I am currently writing a book on the Worlds 100 Best Chocolates which includes information on chocolate making, cocoa varieties and cultivation. Ian Whitaker.

Ian,
When will your book be released? Will it be available on amazon?

Rhizo - yeah I thought they were worms too!

mangolobo

A yellow pod indicates it is most likely forastero, the most common, and most hardy type of cacao.