Cocoa beans / powder (Theobróma Cacáo) Cocoa beans are actually the seeds inside the pods of the cocoa tree Theobróma Cacáo. The fruits of the cocoa tree are oval-shaped. They are 8 to 14 inches long, ranging in color from yellow or green to red or violet. It takes 5-6 months for the pods to grow and ripen. The raw cocoa beans are fermented for about five days. During this time the seeds undergo biochemical changes. During fermentation, flavor develops, bitterness subsides, and the seeds turn a rich shade of brown. Dried cocoa beans are then bagged and ready for shipment. Roasting further develops the aroma, flavor and rich color, afterwards they are ground, the cocoa butter is removed and the cake that remains can be pulverized and sifted into cocoa powder.