Chocolate Chips – Saint Dominigue 70% Cocoa

Flavor

Dark chocolate chips from the Caribbean are smooth and harmonious. Their taste will take you to exotic distances. Whether you make them into a drink or a dessert, they'll always be delicious.

Origins

Haiti, like many neighbouring countries, was discovered for Europeans by Christopher Columbus on his first voyage. It lies in the western part of the island of Hispaniola. As late as the beginning of the 20th century, 60% of its area was still covered by native forests. Today, unfortunately, the vast majority of it has been cleared. The reason for this is the extreme poverty of the local population, who used the trees for fuel.

In 2010, Haiti was hit by a devastating earthquake. The economy is still recovering today. But even before it struck, the country was the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, with 80% of its population living below the poverty line. That's why Haiti is receiving a lot of foreign aid.

One livelihood option for small farmers is growing the true cacao tree (Theobroma cacao). The global demand for high-quality cocoa is growing, giving Haitians a good foothold in the market. Its big competitive advantage is the production of fine, aromatic cocoa from organically grown trees. The indigenous Criollo variety is in demand by confectioners and luxury chocolate makers across Europe.

As Nara Meli and Yolanda Strachan wrote for FOMIN in 2013, although cocoa is Haiti's second-largest export product, its volume remains very low. The country exports just 4,000 tonnes a year. This is due to the really small family plantations, usually around half a hectare, and old trees (over 30 years old) prone to low yields. Less than a fifth of farmers work for cooperatives that help them access markets.

Cacao trees are harvested twice a year. The cocoa beans need to be removed from the large, striated pods, left to ferment for 2-8 days and then dried in the sun. For chocolate production, the beans are roasted, crushed and ground. This produces a cocoa mass from which the cocoa butter and cocoa powder are separated. By adding other ingredients and a laborious process, chocolate is made.

Doctors do not recommend eating chocolate very often. However, it has been shown that if it contains a high proportion of high-quality cocoa, it can have a very beneficial effect on the consumer's body. In fact, chocolate improves mood, promotes physical and mental harmony, helps fight infections and reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Saint Dominigue origin chocolate lentils are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

As far as allergens are concerned, people with allergies to milk, cocoa and vanillin should be careful. This product may contain traces of nuts.

Store at 12-20⁰C.

Please note

If you order chocolate during hot weather, they may lose form or partially melt during shipping. This does not affect the quality.

Hot chocolate & Hot cocoa packaging preview

Our quality aluminum packaging lacks any bold graphics, as we’d rather focus on the taste of our products. Thanks to the hermetic seal, this container helps the contents keep their freshness and protect them against humidity, light or foreign odors.