Customer Reviews

The Chocolate Tree: A Natural History of Cacao

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If you are interested in learning about the natural history of the cacao tree then this book is essential reading. However, if you are not a scientist then you will find it hard going at times. There is a lot of information in this book but no easy way to discover it without reading every page. The author tells the story of cacao almost like a travelogue, and the book lacks a summary section at the end of each chapter of the findings, theories and conclusions of the author. But, these criticisms aside, I would still recommend The Chocolate Tree to anyone wanting to understand more of the science behind cacao. All the information about the development of the cacao tree from its wild origins in the rainforest to modern day plantations is fascinating, as are Allen's experiments to find out why natural pollination levels of cacao trees are so low. Stick with the book and you will be rewarded, but the author could have made it much more accessible. One last point - there is an excellent bibliography at the end which will be welcome for anyone wishing to read further into the subject.

Excellent book on the subject. My husband is cultivating cacao plants and this book was very helpful.