C

Chocolate field glossary

Cut test

A sample of beans cut lengthwise to inspect internal color, fissuring and visible defects.

Post-harvest · working definition

Use the word
with precision.

Why it matters
It is a fast field and trade check for internal bean color, fissuring and visible defects across a sample.
Common confusion
A cut test does not directly predict every aroma, prove genetics or replace sensory and safety assessment.
Practical example
A representative sample is cut lengthwise and classified against an agreed method rather than judged from one attractive bean.
Evidence trail

Read beyond
the definition.

Public institutionGuide for the assessment of cacao quality and flavour

Standardized protocols, glossary and sensory framework developed with experts from producing countries.

Cacao of Excellence / Alliance Bioversity International & CIAT
Search all 86 terms ↗Start the 20-minute primer →