Costa Esmeraldas 70% Dark Chocolate Bar
Origin: Costa Esmeraldas, Ecuador
Farm: Single Estate Farm owned and managed by the Salazar Family
Variety: Nacional hybrids (EET 95, 96, 103)
Terroir: Wet, Tropical
Elevation: -300ft ASL
Soil: Mixed
Harvest Season: June – February
Fermentation Style: 5-Tiered Cedro Boxes, 5.5 day fermentation
Drying Style: Sliding mesh platforms under greenhouse, regulating drying rate by rolling in and out of the sun
Story:
Our Costa Esmeraldas bar is crafted from beans sourced from a single estate farm in the Costa Esmeraldas region of northern Ecuador. This family-owned farm, managed by the Salazar family, is a testament to meticulous cultivation and innovative processing. Freddy Salazar and his team have implemented one of the most sophisticated processes, from efficient harvesting to the high-efficiency fermentation and drying facility designed by Cacao Services. The result is consistently clean and flavorful cacao.
Tasting Notes:
The woody tannins of Costa Esmeraldas reminds us of a barrel-aged beer and wines, offering a unique tasting experience. While excellent as a 70% bar, those seeking a more intense wood flavor might enjoy the 85% version. This origin also serves as a superb base for our creamy bars.
Ingredients:
Cocoa Beans, Organic Cane Sugar