How drying of Cocoa beans is done?

After completion of fermentation, bean is transferred to drying mats or tables or other surfaces depending on the method. During drying, the fermentation process is completed. The next step after the fermentation process is the drying of the Cocoa beans. Under insufficient methods and circumstances, drying can result in loss of quality and production losses. Artificial drying includes the use of an artificial source of heat like fires. Severe rainfall can cause moulding of Cocoa beans and decrease quality. Drying take about 1 week in the sun and gets the bean moisture down to about 7.5 %. Dried beans are sold in jute bags.