Bolivia El Ceibo Cacao Cocoa Beans 1kg

Region and Country

Alto Beni, Bolivia

Story

Natural cocoa woods can be found in northern La Paz, Beni, and Cochabamba, Bolivia. El Ceibo is the source of these beans. Established in 1977 by twelve grassroots cooperatives, this is a second level cooperative. Over 1200 small growers who are committed to growing organic cocoa in the Alto Beni region come together for El Ceibo. It has focused its efforts on enhancing its associates' quality of life since 1977.

For many years, El Ceibo and the Programme for Implementation of Agro Ecology and Forestry (PIAF) have worked together to encourage the production of cocoa in agroforestry plantation systems, where it is grown alongside fruit crops, wood, and medicinal plants. It is currently setting the standard for organic agriculture cooperatives in Bolivia by serving as an example.

Harvest

April – September (main crop)

Genetics

The original cocoa varieties were criollos, nativos and silvestres. In the Alto Beni region, over time this native cocoa was replaced with foreign, more productive varieties. The hybrid varieties gained popularity with the arrival of new farming settlements in the Upper Beni region in the early sixties. Via a nursery, about 9 genetic types of local breeds are divided over the plantations.

Post Harvesting Process

Various protocols have been developed fit to the genetic varieties. The fermentation period for native Bolivia Criollos, range from 3 to 4 days, whereas the hybrids need 7 to 9 days depending on weather and other external factors. The beans are fermented in wooden crates, which have small holes in the bottom to facilitate the outflow of cocoa pulp. During fermentation, the beans are turned every 48 hours for 3 times, and every 24 hours after that. After fermentation, the beans are dried until a humidity of 7.5% is reached. During the drying period, the beans are raked up 4-5 times a day to realize uniform quality.

Flavour

Flowery begin notes develop into pineapple and red fruit and finish with nuts (almond/hazelnut) and wood (tropical wood).