nowadays, there are three large cocoa-producing regions in brazil, including in the amazon basin, espirito santo, and bahia, where roughly 70,000 tons of cocoa are produced each year - in total, brazil creates about 150,000 tons of cocoa per year, though during good production years this figure reaches as high as 350,000 tons.

the amazon is also where a very flavorful fruit known as cupuaçu originate - officially a part of the chocolate family, cupuaçu is commonly used in smoothies, juices, and ice creams throughout the country for its strong and sweet taste.

the bean is slightly larger and more square than the cocoa bean, and it makes a great milk-chocolate bar - whether starting with cupuaçu or cacao, both beans will create a gloriously delicious end-result.