Now that the cacao beans have undergone each of the three important processes to becoming a good quality bean, it is time to assess the actual quality of the beans. This is done through the “cut test”, where the cacao… Read More ›
Month: June 2012
From cacao tree to bean: the drying process
The next important step in cocoa processing is the drying process. Drying of cacao is an important step in cocoa processing as some of the reactions which produce good flavoured cacao are still proceeding during the drying process. Ideally, cacao… Read More ›
From cacao tree to bean: the beginning of fermentation
Now begins the most crucial part for the making of fine chocolate. Fermentation is the first critical process to develop the beans’ natural flavours. The beans and its pulp, are immediately placed in large wooden boxes, otherwise known as “sweatboxes”… Read More ›
From tree to bean: the cacao harvest
The last few days have been spent learning, researching and understanding all about the cultivation of cacao right from the tree to the bean. As I am shown round some of the local cacao farmers’ fields, I begin to understand… Read More ›
The ins and outs of cocoa production
I visited a small association of 200 members, which was set up a couple of years ago by a small group of cacao farmers in the area of Tocache. Each member has approximately two hectares of cacao, and produce on… Read More ›
Spot the differences: Julieta y las Cacaoteras!
Drawing by Zoe Bray
On the way to becoming a local celebrity!
“Tierra de Paz, Amor y Trabajo” is the name of the governmental campaign put in place to change the image of Tocache, which used to be one of drugs and violence. As I happened to be in Tocache while they were making the campaign, I was asked to feature in the first part, where you can see me admiring the town’s main square.
From coca to Peruvian cacao
At about half an hour from Tocache along a dusty road, we visit an Association of small producers of cacao, where the farmers have got together to create their own Association. The “Mujeres Cacaoteras” is made up of a small… Read More ›
In the heart of Peru’s new cacao producing region
We have arrived to the town of Tocache, it is here that we will visit the consortium’s second cooperative; and where I will support Vilsic and Lourdes on a development project to support local female cacao farmers, “Las Mujeres Cacaoteras”… Read More ›
Off to discover Peru’s best cacao plantations!
The time has come to leave Lima and visit the cacao cooperatives! We will be heading to visit the Consortium’s cacao cooperatives in the region of San Martin, located in the Amazon region in the Northern part of Peru. My… Read More ›
