Cocoa beans are the seeds of the cacao tree, scientifically known as Theobroma cacao. These beans are the primary ingredient used to produce chocolate. They grow inside large pods that hang from the tree's trunk and branches, and each pod contains about 20 to 50 beans surrounded by a sweet, white pulp. After harvesting, cocoa beans undergo fermentation, drying, and roasting processes to develop their rich flavor. The beans are then processed to extract cocoa solids and cocoa butter, which are essential for making various chocolate products. Cocoa beans are also a source of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.