The Farm Journal

Stories from the soil, the harvest, and the craft of extraordinary chocolate.

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πŸ“… Oct 12, 2024 ⏱ 6 min read
Cacao Science

The Volcanic Soil: Why Terroir Matters in Cacao

Ecuador's volcanic highlands aren't just beautifulβ€”they're chemically rich. We explore how mineral composition, altitude, and microclimates shape the genetic expression of fine-flavor cacao.

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🌿
πŸ“… Sep 28, 2024 ⏱ 5 min read
Farm Life

Harvest Season: A Week in the Napo Valley

Follow our farming team through a typical harvest weekβ€”from hand-selecting ripe pods to the communal joy of the first fermentation batch. The rhythm of the farm comes alive.

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πŸ“… Sep 15, 2024 ⏱ 8 min read
Process

Fermentation 101: Where the Magic Begins

Cacao beans aren't born chocolatey. They become it through a carefully monitored 7-day fermentation. We break down the science, the timing, and why patience is our most valuable ingredient.

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🦜
πŸ“… Aug 30, 2024 ⏱ 7 min read
Sustainability

Shade-Growing: Birds, Beans, and Ecological Balance

Our cacao grows under a natural canopy of native trees. This agroforestry system protects biodiversity, enriches soil health, and produces slower-growing, more complex beans.

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🍷
πŸ“… Aug 18, 2024 ⏱ 4 min read
Tasting Notes

Tasting the 2024 Chuao Reserve: A Sensory Journey

Our limited-edition Single Estate Reserve carries notes of red wine, cedar, and toasted caramel. Learn how to properly taste, score, and appreciate a world-class cacao bar.

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πŸ“… Jul 22, 2024 ⏱ 5 min read
Farm Life

Generations of Craft: The Delacroix Family Story

From a single plot in 1987 to a thriving eco-estate today. Read how three generations preserved traditional methods while embracing sustainable innovation.

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