It may be confusing to differentiate cocoa from cacao, but when it comes to the latter, you're likely thinking of the beans.

But before cacao becomes the sweet treat we know and love, it starts as a tough little pod filled with raw beans -- and with that, comes the bitter truth about cacao. Here's the kicker ...

Kerala's cocoa industry sees growth with launch of farmer producer company, aiming to boost income and quality of cocoa beans.

open cacao pod full of cacao beans with an intact pod behind it on a bed of cacao beans - Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images ...