Question 1

Question 2Mention the climatic and soil conditions required for the growth of cacao trees.

Accepted Answer

Climatic requirements —The cocoa trees need hot and wet climate but temperature should not exceed 27°C.Annual rainfall should be about 150 cm and it should be well distributed throughout the year.The trees can tolerate a short dry season but are sensitive to prolonged droughts.The cacao tress when young require much heat but it should be protected from direct sunlight.Strong winds are harmful as they may blow away unripe pods.Soil conditions —The cocoa trees can grown on a wide range of soils, provided they are fairly deep and well drained.Loamy soil is ideal.

Question 2

Question 3During which times of the year is cocoa harvested?

Accepted Answer

There are two harvesting seasons. The more important one is during the dry season, i.e. from September to January. The other harvesting season, known as the mid-crop, is from May to July.

Question 3

Question 4Why are cocoa beans fermented?

Accepted Answer

Fermentation removes the unpleasant bitter taste of the fresh beans and also stops the seeds from germinating. During this process the typical chocolate flavour develops and the beans become brown.

Question 4

Question 5How is cocoa-butter made? How is it useful?

Accepted Answer

The cocoa beans are cleaned and roasted. The roasted beans are run through a machine which cracks them. The leftover kernels are called cocoa-nibs. The cocoa-nibs are ground to powder. The heat produced due to grinding melts the cocoa-fat, also called cocoa-butter.The cocoa-butter is useful for making chocolates. It is also an important raw material for the manufacture of cosmetics, drugs and some chemicals.

Question 5

Question 6Name five countries where cocoa beans are exported.

Accepted Answer

Five countries where cocoa beans are exported are —The USAGermanyThe NetherlandsFranceSpain

Question 6

Question 1Chocolate is made from cocoa. The cocoa is obtained from the cacao tree. Similarly, the products given below are also obtained from plants. Match the products with their sources.Sl.No.Column AColumn B1.chewing gumgrapes2.ketchuporchid3.vanillachicle4.colatomato5.raisinskola nut

Accepted Answer

Sl.No.Column AColumn B1.chewing gumchicle2.ketchuptomato3.vanillaorchid4.colakola nut5.raisinsgrapes

Case Study — Cocoa Cultivation in Ghana

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