THE COCOA STORIES

Sift through our blog to find farmer stories, inspiring recipes and insights into all things cocoa.

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COCOA WORLDWIDE

Cocoa Culture
Fermenting Cocoa Beans
Fermentation is the hidden step that turns raw cacao into chocolate with depth, aroma, and character. In this guide, we’ll […]
Cocoa Culture
From Banker to Cocoa Farmer: Why Viridiana Made the Switch
When you picture a farm, what do you see? For most, it’s often a vast field with a few trees, […]
Cocoa Culture, Cocoa Farmers
How A Cocoa Farm Can Strengthen the Climate: Finca Las Delias
A special kind of magic happens when generational knowledge meets hard work. And the moment you walk onto Finca Las […]
Cocoa Culture, Cocoa Knowledge
How Many Cacao Varieties Exist?
Traditionally, since 1884, there are three main varieties of cacao that are widely recognized and used in cacao creations: Criollo, Forastero, and Trinitario
Cocoa Culture
How to Store Chocolate the Right Way
Let’s be honest – we all love chocolate, but most of us don’t store our chocolate the way we should. […]
Cocoa Culture
Returning to the Roots: Meeting Mexico’s Cocoa Farmers
Last year, our team travelled to Mexico, where we had the privilege of visiting five incredible cocoa farms set within […]
Cacao Ceremonies, Cocoa Culture, Cocoa Wellness
The Ancient Cacao Ceremony Origins: Its History & Modern-Day Resurgence
As a crop, cocoa (or cacao) is rich with history and culture. So, when we talk about cacao ceremonies, naturally […]
Cacao Ceremonies, Cocoa Culture, Cocoa Wellness
What Exactly is a Cacao Ceremony? Let’s Find Out.
For centuries, indigenous communities in Central America have embraced cacao not just as food but as a sacred tool for […]

Drying cocoa beans
Cocoa drying is crucial in the process of making cocoa worthy of a chocolate bar. It may not sound special, […]
The Cocoa Circle
Drying Under Pressure: How Two Cocoa Farms Are Adapting to Climate Challenges
In Comalcalco, Tabasco, where cocoa trees thrive in the humid air and from rich soil, two neighbouring farms are working […]
The Cocoa Circle
Can You Make Cocoa Powder from Cacao Nibs? The 5-Step Guide
Got cacao nibs but need cocoa powder? We’ve got you. With a few simple steps, you can grind nibs into […]
The Cocoa Circle

EXPLORE MORE Cocoa STORIES

Cocoa Industry, Cocoa Sustainability
What’s A Fair Price For Chocolate? And Who Takes the Biggest Block.
A fair price for cacao and chocolate ensures sustainable livelihoods for cacao farmers, and supports environmentally responsible farming practices.
Cocoa Knowledge, Cooking and Baking
What Are Cacao Nibs?
Cacao nibs are small pieces of crushed cacao beans. They are crunchy and have a rich, intense chocolate flavor with hints of bitterness
Cocoa Knowledge
The Chocolate Fridge Dilemma: Should chocolate be refrigerated?
Storing chocolate in the fridge is generally not recommended unless absolutely necessary, as it can affect the texture and flavor of the chocolate.
Cocoa Knowledge, Cocoa Sustainability
Is Chocolate Good For Nature?
Chocolate production can have both positive and negative impacts on nature, depending on how it’s sourced and produced.
Cocoa Industry
Unwrapping the Cocoa Farmer Wage: How You Can Help Sweeten the Deal
The earnings of cacao farmers can vary significantly depending on the region, quality of cacao beans, market prices, and farming practices.
Cocoa Knowledge
How Long Can Chocolate Be Stored and Will Chocolate Go bad?
Dark chocolate can typically be stored for up to two years if kept in a cool, dry place, whereas milk and white chocolates have a shorter shelf life.
Cocoa Knowledge, Cooking and Baking
White Spots on Chocolate. Are They Really a Problem?
While it may not look appealing, white spots on chocolate, called bloom, are generally safe to consume and do not indicate that the chocolate has gone bad.
Cocoa Knowledge
Who Invented The Chocolate Bonbon?
Jean Neuhaus II, the grandson of the founder of Neuhaus, created the first chocolate bonbon by covering a creamy filling with a thin layer of chocolate.

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follow @thecocoacircle

Follow us online for a daily dose of inspiration and let’s share some cocoa-creativity!