Costa Rica Nahua Maleku Cacao Cocoa Beans 1kg

Region and Country

San Carlos Plain, Northern Region of Costa Rica

Story

Maleku cocoa has the name of the local indigenous population. The Caracche are small, one-meter-tall creatures that live in the forest and stack one fruit on top of another to get at fruits off the trees, such cacao pods, according to Maleku tradition.

Cocoa beans are sourced by Nahua from a few chosen smallholder farmers in various areas around the region. The company gives participating farmers access to social development initiatives, technical training, and funding through its Cacao Renovation Programme. The Programme also encourages reforestation, sustainable farming methods, and the preservation of natural ecosystems with the goal of protecting the environment.

Harvest

Main Crop: July – February; Mid-crop: March – June

Genetics

Some of the farmers grow Trinitario hybrids that have been passed on for generations. Other farmers have introduced new Trinitarios hybrids and CATIE clones.

Post Harvesting Process

The beans are collected fresh and are centrally fermented and dried. Fermentation takes place in tiered wooden boxes and moved every two days from one box to another. The process lasts a total of 5 to 6 days, depending on the weather conditions and on the proportion of clones in the mix. Drying takes place on wooden beds inside solar tunnels.

Flavour

Maleku cocoa beans are characterized by a multi-layered character, with medium bitterness and acidity. Notes of caramel and yellow fruit accompanied by subtler earthy and coffee notes.