The chocolate world divides cocoa beans into two general categories: Flavor Beans (varieties Criollo or Trinitario) and Bulk Beans (variety Forestero).
There are some exceptions to this system, but general speaking this is how the cocoa market categorizes cocoa beans.
The percentage of flavor beans in the total world production of cocoa beans is only around 5% per year. Virtually all the cocoa harvested is classified as bulk cocoa.
A pure Criollo variety is rare these days but was the major variety in the 18th century.
Trinitario variety is considered to be a cross between Criollo and Forastero. Trinitario planting started in the country of Trinidad and then spread to Venezuela, Ecuador, Cameroon, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Java and Papua New Guinea.
Some companies are dedicated to restore more Criollo and Trinitario growing farms. Xoco Fine Cocoa Company of Nicaragua is one such entity.
Xoxo’s mission is produce a high quality flavor, consistent flavor bean, bringing back a genotype from superior Criollo/Trinitario varieties.
Categories:
chocolate education,
fun chocolate facts
Tags:
cacao farms,
cocoa beans
Happy Earth Day!
Just in case you haven’t guessed the obvious… I enjoy eating chocolate, and I want chocolate to continue to be part of my world!
According to the International Cocoa Organization, 2.5 million farmers produce almost 90 percent of the world’s cocoa on about 5-10 acres. Most of the world’s cacao is grown on the small family owned farm. The best chocolate comes from shade grown cacao managed by farmers using small-scale, low-impact techniques.
There are still large, old style cocoa plantations in business. Cacao trees grow best in shade, but on a plantation they grow row upon row in full sun like an orchard. This practice results in the trees becoming stressed, more susceptible to disease and the soil more quickly depleted of nutrients. It is a large-scale, chemically intensive operation.
On this Earth Day, I am reminded to support the protection of our agricultural ecosystems as well as our fair trade economic system
s.
I recently enjoyed a Divine Dark Chocolate 70%. Check out the Divine Dark Delights Gift Box at www.divinechocolateusa.com. Divine dark chocolate has a robust cocoa flavor with hints of fruit and earth and a smooth non-bitter aftertaste. That is heavenly!
Sweeter still was the warm fuzzy feeling I got from supporting the farmer-owned cooperative, Kuapa Kokoo, and their commitment to keeping chocolate around for a good long time.
Categories:
chocolate education,
chocolate review
Tags:
cacao farms,
chocolate bars,
chocolate holidays
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