Cacao Fruit Collection

Chocolate plant botanical engraving 1857
A History of the Vegetable Kingdom by Wlliiam Rhind 1855

Botany: fruits and cocoa pods, with seeds, 1722 (engraving)
BEN5478415 Botany: fruits and cocoa pods, with seeds, 1722 (engraving); (add.info.: Plate from "History of the West Indies" by Jean Baptiste Labat known as Brother Labat (1663-1738)

Coffee, tea and cocoa (engraving)
8663837 Coffee, tea and cocoa (engraving) by French School, (17th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Coffee, tea and cocoa and their countries of origin)

Photocard, 1930s: St Vincent, BWI (coloured photo)
8671666 Photocard, 1930s: St Vincent, BWI (coloured photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: St Vincent, BWI)

Food and Beverage. Van Houten Cocoa. Publicity by A. Willette, France, c.1894. (poster)
3434480 Food and Beverage. Van Houten Cocoa. Publicity by A. Willette, France, c.1894. (poster); (add.info.: Willette, France, vers 1894. Coll. Part. Food and Beverage. Van Houten Cocoa)

Cultivation and processing of cocoa in America (engraving)
8663835 Cultivation and processing of cocoa in America (engraving) by French School, (17th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cultivation and processing of cocoa in America)

Real Photographs, c.1939: Martinique (coloured photo)
8671464 Real Photographs, c.1939: Martinique (coloured photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Martinique)

Advertising card for Cadbury's Cocoa (chromolitho)
8677644 Advertising card for Cadbury's Cocoa (chromolitho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Making chocolate creams, Fry's cocoa and chocolate factory, 1884
3478851 Making chocolate creams, Fry's cocoa and chocolate factory, 1884; (add.info.: Making chocolate creams, Fry's cocoa and chocolate factory, Bristol)

Women enjoying cocoa on the river (chromolitho)
8677548 Women enjoying cocoa on the river (chromolitho) by French School, (19th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Women enjoying cocoa on the river)

Trade card for Smart, grocer and tea dealer, London (engraving)
8677530 Trade card for Smart, grocer and tea dealer, London (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Trade card for Smart, grocer and tea dealer)

Cocoa and chocolate with reference to their origin (b/w photo)
8647490 Cocoa and chocolate with reference to their origin (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cocoa and chocolate with reference to their origin)

Ceylon (b/w photo)
8674207 Ceylon (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ceylon. Sifting the Beans in a Barn)

Chocolate in the XVIIth century, c. 1910 (print)
7293364 Chocolate in the XVIIth century, c.1910 (print) by French School, (20th century); (add.info.: Food and beverage. Introduction of cocoa in France)

Cocoa tree -Theobroma cacao- with yellow cocoa fruits, Kumily, Kerala, India

Cocoa plant engraving 1895
Meyers Konversations-Lexikon. Ein Nachschlagewerk des allgemeinen Wissens, 5th edition 17 volumes Bibliographisches Institut - Leipzig 1895-1897

Cocoa Roasting Room at Frys Chocolate factory, 1894
Vintage engraving of the Cocoa Roasting Room at Frys Chocolate factory, 1894

Coffee roaster
Antique illustration of a coffee roaster

Cocoa bean
Illustration engraving of a Cocoa bean

Cocoa tree
Illustration of a Cocoa tree

Chocolate making machine, twin cocoa mil
Illustration of a chocolate making machine, twin cocoa mil

Yellow cacao fruit -Theobroma cacao-, Kumily, Kerala, India

Green fruits on a Cocoa Tree -Theobroma cacao-, Bali, Indonesia

Red fruits on a Cocoa Tree -Theobroma cacao-, Bali, Indonesia

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The cacao fruit, scientifically known as Theobroma cacao, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. From the chocolate plant botanical engravings of 1857 to the XVIIth-century depiction of chocolate, this fruit has captured human fascination for generations. In the late 19th century, cocoa roasting rooms like the one at Frys Chocolate factory in 1894 were bustling with activity as workers transformed these fruits into delectable treats. Engravings from that era showcased the intricate details of cocoa trees with their yellow cocoa fruits found in places like Kumily, Kerala, India. As coffee roasters played their part in creating delightful beverages, another plant called Ipecacuanha (Cephaelis Ipecacuanha) shared its space alongside the chocolate plant. Both plants held immense value and significance in different ways. The journey from cacao fruit to cocoa bean was an essential step in producing chocolates loved worldwide. With each stage carefully depicted through engravings and illustrations from different time periods, we can appreciate how technology evolved over time. One cannot overlook the role of machines like twin cocoa mills used for making chocolates. These inventions revolutionized chocolate production by streamlining processes and increasing efficiency. Today, when we see a yellow cacao fruit hanging from a tree branch or displayed at local markets like those found in Kumily, Kerala, India; it serves as a reminder of nature's bounty and our enduring love affair with all things chocolaty. So next time you indulge in your favorite chocolate treat or sip on a warm cup of hot cocoa made from carefully roasted beans derived from this remarkable fruit - take a moment to appreciate its historical significance and how far we have come since those early botanical engravings captured our imagination.