Cocoa Stories, Fine Flavor Cocoa, Grenada Cocoa

The Magic of Cocoa – Grenada

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Grenada is a small island at the southern end of the Caribbean chain. Known as the spice island, it’s Cocoa flavor is influenced by it soothing nutmeg and fruits which are prevalent from tree to bean to the bar. Grenada has ideal growing conditions for cocoa and produces some of the finest beans used by chefs around the world.

The Grenada Cocoa Story

Cocoa heritage dates back to around 1710 and was first exported in 1750. Peak production was in the early 1900’s and since then there were a few bumps along the way; Sustainability, Hurricane Ivan and a loss of over 60% of infrastructure. But production is rebounding and is part of a world-renowned supply of premium cocoa products.

More than Just Fair Trade:

Part of a network of over 2,500 farmers owning more than 3,200 acres of cocoa lands who are invested in our factories and products.

Which produces more than 1 million pounds of cocoa annually

Recognized as the foundation for some of the world’s finest chocolate.

Grenada Cocoa Products:

A Large, Fine Flavour Combination Criollo / Trinatario Bean

Fat content of 54-56%

Less than 7.5 % moisture content

2% Purple, 0% foreign body, Slaty and less than 1% mold.

An independent study described me as very well fermented, lightly colored with a smooth bright flavor with very clean profile that delivers a mild but rich chocolate

Credits: GCA



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Cocoa Stories, Fine Flavor Cocoa, Saint Vincent Cocoa

The Magic of Cocoa – Saint Vincent

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Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
Became the last of the windward islands to gain independence in October of 1979. It’s hilly landscape and volcanic soil
provide a unique growing environment for growing cocoa.

The Saint Vincent Cocoa Story:
Cocoa has grown here for hundreds of years and was regularly exported in the first half of the 20th century. Bananas replaced cocoa as the main export until the early 2000’s. The reinvestment in cocoa has begun.

Supporting Farmers:

  • Farmers make a living from small plots of land and growing the high yielding Trinatario varieties and average 900lb per acre.
  • Traceable Cocoa, providing financial and logistical guidance to farmers to ensure environmental sustainability and quality
  • Total farm land dedicated to cocoa farming, 550 acres with 200 more planned.

Saint Vincent Cocoa Products:

  • Caribbean Fine Flavor
  • Trinatario (ICS varieties)
  • USDA analysis describe as a premium quality bean
  • 5 % moisture content
  • Fermented in wooden boxes for 5 to 7 days and then solar dried
  • Harvested May 2016

A quality fine flavor bean that delivers a mild yet rich chocolate flavor

Credit: SVCC / Wikipedia

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Cocoa Stories, Fine Flavor Cocoa, Saint Lucia

The Magic of Cocoa – Saint Lucia

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Saint Lucia
Independence came to Saint Lucia in February of 1979. Located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, the island covers an area of area of 238 square miles and has a  population of approximately 174,000. The topography of the island is more mountainous than most and its fertile volcanic soil and natural rain forest are ideal for growing cocoa.

The Saint Lucia Cocoa Story:
Cocoa is one of St. Lucia’s most important crops and is a major part of its history, dating back to the 1700’s when the industry was flourishing. The rich and fertile volcanic soil, high altitude (1000 ft above sea level) and rainforest water all combine to create

Unique Growing Environment:

  • Grown mainly in the south-western part of the island in rich and fertile volcanic soil at an altitude of over 1000 ft. above sea level.
  • A pristine rainforest water supply create a unique environment perfectly suited for growing fine flavor cocoa
  • Over 1700 acres of farmland are dedicated to cocoa farming

Saint Lucia Cocoa Products:

  • Caribbean Fine Flavor
  • Trinatario ICS varieties include 32,92,98,99 and 100
  • Ripe Pods are picked and left to rest for about 3 days before opened
  • Fermented in wooden boxes and sheds for up to 7 days.
  • Harvested twice a year, October / November and February/ March

A quality fine flavor bean, high in demand and at a premium price.

Credit: Saint Lucia Trade Office / Kathleen Khodra /Wikipedia

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