Semen cacao

Semen cacao is the name given to the seeds of Theobroma cacao, the cacao tree, a tree from the cacao family native to tropical West Africa, Brazil and the Philippines, which can grow up to 5m high. The seeds are embedded in the cucumber-like cacao fruit, which is about 20 cm long. The 40-60 white, bitter cocoa seeds are subjected to a special fermentation process lasting several days, which causes them to lose their bitterness and take on their familiar brown-red colour.

40-50% fat (cocoa butter), 15% protein, 8% starch, 1-4% theobromine, 0.1-0.4% caffeine, 7% tannins, 2% sugar and others: 40-50% fat (cocoa butter), 15% protein, 8% starch, 1-4% theobromine, 0.1-0.4% caffeine, 7% tannins, 2% sugar and others

Cacao oleum is obtained from the roasted and crushed seeds. Cacao oleum was formerly used mainly for suppositories and vaginal balls.

Cosmetics: Under the INCI designation "Theobroma cacao butter" the butter-like extract from the seeds of Theobroma cacao is used in cosmetic formulations. It acts as an emollient and consistency enhancer (also in lipsticks).