Effect of the growing area on the methylxanthines and flavan-3-ols content in cocoa beans from Ecuador

Nacional is a worldwide recognized Ecuadorian cocoa variety. However, little is known regarding its phytochemical profile and how the production area influences its nutritional quality. The contents of methylxanthines (caffeine and theobromine), total polyphenols, flavan-3-ols monomers (catechin and epicatechin) and main proanthocyanidins (procyanidins B2 and C1) in beans of Nacional cocoa were evaluated. A comprehensive sampling was carried out along Ecuador, including 85 farms from three different geographical levels (region, province, and canton). Theobromine and caffeine contents were higher in cocoas from the Amazonian region. According to the caffeine/theobromine ratio, all samples were classified as Trinitario cocoa. The flavan-3-ols amount was not clearly associated to a geographical area. However, when principal component analysis was applied, common patterns were found for some provinces. These results may be useful to further characterize the composition of cocoa beans for quality and authenticity purposes and the development of chocolate products rich in bioactives.