EASTER HABITS AND RABBITS (OH NO, BUNNIES)
All around the world Easter is associated with eggs, bunnies, chicken and lambs, and most of these in a chocolate form. Read on to find out why!
Making The Cut: Testing Cacao Beans’ Health and Fermentation
You might have seen pictures like the one above. Cut tests are quite photogenic. However, good looks are not the prime reason this test is performed. It is an important tool to identify problems in an early stage, assess the level of fermentation and evaluate beans. One of the most interesting difference between cacao purchaser for bulk industry and specialty cacao purchasers is that they use cut tests in completely different ways.
The Wonderful Story of How a Woman Put Togolese Cacao on the World Map
Unlike its neighbors Ivory Coast and Ghana, Togo is not known for its cacao. Nor is it recognized as a producer of first class, fine flavor, specialty cacao. However, this situation is changing. Along with coffee, cacao is Togo's third export product and an important source of income for the country. But it takes the energy and inspiration of individuals like Abra Benczedi to bring it all together and create a community. Read here her extraordinary life story.
Cacao: a basket full of love ingredients
Although they might not have been fully aware of the scientific evidence related to the valuable traits of Theobroma, the Aztecs and Maya's already attributed all kinds of health benefits and curative and stimulant effects to their precious cacao. But in the spirit of Valentine, let's focus on the ability of cacao and chocolate to enhance mind and mood and set the stage for love.
Making Good Use of Cacao Shells
All chocolate makers recognize the excitement of seeing (and hearing) a constant flow of cacao nibs falling out of the winnower, ready for the grinder. And then their eye falls on the husks... Read on to discover a way to give them a new life!
Brazilian Cacao History
Read all about the rise and fall of Brazilian cacao due to one of the deadliest diseases known to cacao farmers: witches' broom.
Christmas in Mexico
Christmas in Mexico is a feast unlike anywhere else in the world as Christian traditions beautifully mingled with existing indigenous culture.
Cacao Moth: don’t bug me please
You may have seen striking images of bisected cacao beans. These vivid purple slices aren’t just for show – they’re part of an evaluation method called a cut test. But is this test actually meaningful?