Proximate and mineral composition of venezuelan cocoa beans from Cata and Cuyagua

Venezuelan cocoa is renowned for its high sensory quality; however, the presence of heavy metals may restrict its access to highly regulated international markets such as the European Union. This study aimed to evaluate the proximate composition and mineral content of cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.) collected from Cata and Cuyagua (Aragua, Venezuela) during the main harvest seasons of 2013 and 2014. Thirty samples (15 per year) were analyzed. Proximate composition was determined using official AOAC methods, while mineral elements were quantified following microwave-assisted acid digestion and ICP- OES analysis. Results showed that moisture content was significantly higher in 2013 compared to 2014 (p