Single Origin Chocolate: São Tomé and Príncipe
Nick named, ‘The Chocolate Islands,’ these African islands are expanding their production even further, as they were previously the world’s largest producer of cocoa back in 1913. After achieving independence in 1975, their production saw a significant decline due to their lacking infrastructure, but has since seen a return to the [scalable] industry over the past couple decades. Their cocoa in particular is unique, and offers more secondary notes unlike other African nations, whose beans provide a more traditional chocolate taste, without the secondary notes. Truly an experience when tasting chocolate with this origin, and sought out for by connoisseurs across the globe.
Reference: Stratton, M. (2016). São Tomé and Príncipe: The chocolate islands.
São Tomé and Príncipe
Many chocolatiers try to attain a regular stock of these beans, and French company Michel Cluizel even opened their own plantation, Vila Gracinda, in the chocolate islands to incorporate these natural flavors into their offerings. Other producers, such as Hachez and Pralus create blends with these beans as they are independent from the traditional African offerings. This cocoa offers intense flavor, with earthy overall notes. This abundant and volcanic land is continuing to produce to re-claim its status as the chocolate islands, and once you consume these offerings from World Wide Chocolate, you will understand the complex tones and sought-out flavor.