Cacao is the seed of theobroma cacao a small evergreen tree that grows in tropical climates cacao is best known as the base for chocolate manufacture but it is a nutritional powerhouse in its own right it is rich in antioxidants cacao also contains a range of amino acids and minerals such as magnesium green origins cacao powder is made from the criollo variety which is often referred to as the queen of cacao due to its high quality