Studies: Future of cocoa production threatened by extreme weather conditions

Chocolate is facing a "climate barometer" as extreme weather conditions threaten the future of global cocoa crops. Most cocoa (about 60%) comes from West Africa, produced in humid countries like Ivory Coast and Ghana, where warm temperatures and abundant rainfall alternate with short, dry seasons.

But over the past two years, cocoa production has fallen by up to 40%. This has resulted in chocolate prices rising to levels not seen since the 1970s, with experts warning of a world without cocoa by 2050. There are many factors pointing to chocolate's demise.

Previous reports have blamed illegal gold mining, aging trees and even cocoa smugglers, but research suggests the main culprit is contrasting rainfall extremes.

The researchers focused their attention on carabid, a climate-resistant plant grown in the Mediterranean that has slowly gained attention as a promising alternative to cocoa.

Unlike cocoa, carabid thrives in hot, dry climates with very low water requirements and is able to survive droughts. When roasted, it releases a "unique aroma" that resembles cocoa, but its flavor is not quite as pronounced. To overcome the problem, the team developed two techniques to alter the plant's flavor, using enzymes to increase bitterness and improve sweetness. /CNA

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