We get the cocoa beans for this magical chocolate from the stunning tropical nation of Belize.
Located on the Caribbean coast of Central America at the southern extreme of the Yucatan Peninsula, cacao has been growing in Belize since the times of the Maya. In fact, these beans are grown by more than 350 certified-organic smallholders, most of whom are Q’eqchi’ and Mopan Maya families who have been producing cacao for generations.
You won’t be able to resist these bars. We’ve gently roasted the beans to bring out their nuanced flavors. One bite and you’ll experience thousands of years of cocoa history on your tongue.
Cocoa Origin:
Maya Mountains, Belize
Ingredients:
- Certified organic cocoa beans
- Certified organic cane sugar
- Certified organic cocoa butter
Sourcing notes:
In the south of Belize is a range of peaks and hills known as the Maya Mountains. In their lowlands, a stunning karstic limestone landscape and rainy climate create an exceptional locale for growing cacao. Following in generations of their ancestors’ footsteps, modern Q’eqchi’ and Mopan Maya families here produce some of the best cacao in the world.
They protect biodiversity by intercropping with hardwood and fruit trees, including banana, coconut, and mango. Maya Mountain Cacao was founded in 2010 to help bring this fine quality cacao to the craft chocolate market. Organized on a social enterprise model, their 100% Belizean Maya team ferments and dries all cacao at a central post-harvest facility to ensure consistently excellent flavor.
Maya Mountain Cacao was awarded an Heirloom Cacao Preservation designation in 2014, and a Cocoa of Excellence Award in 2019, which placed them within the Top 20 cocoas globally. We get these treasured cocoa beans in 120 pound bags directly from Maya Mountain’s U.S. partner and distributor, Uncommon Cacao.
Read more about Maya Mountain Cacao on our origins page here.
Categories:
Belize
Dark chocolate
Organic ingredients
Vegan
