Hello, chocolate lovers of the world! Grab your favorite cup of cocoa, snuggle in with that stash of luxurious chocolates, and prepare to be delightfully surprised because today, we're going on a cocoa-coated journey to the heart of Central America. Yes, you've guessed it - we're venturing into the tropical climes of Panama to celebrate National Chocolate Day. Let's unwrap the charm of Panamanian chocolate, the dark, luscious gem of this equatorial paradise!
A Sweet Slice of the Export Pie
First, Panama, nestled between Costa Rica and Colombia, is a cacao-producing powerhouse. Once famous for its canal, Panama is now equally renowned for its chocolate which is gradually captivating the global market. Chocolate is a modest, steadily growing player in the sea of coffee beans and bananas that dominate Panamanian exports. It accounts for a small but significant percentage of the country's exports, with an increasing trend that bodes well for the industry's future.
Popular Panamanian Chocolate Brands
Oro Moreno: Translating to 'Brown Gold,' this brand truly lives up to its name. Oro Moreno, a pioneer in fine Panamanian chocolates, offers artisanal chocolates that are a real treat to your taste buds.
Bocas Del Toro Chocolates: Hailing from the verdant rainforests of Bocas del Toro, this brand produces handcrafted organic chocolate, ethically sourced from local communities.
Panama's Chocolate Heartlands
The best cacao in Panama comes from the lush, fertile provinces of Bocas del Toro and La Chorrera. Bocas del Toro, with its rich volcanic soil and ideal tropical climate, provides a perfect home for cacao trees, whereas the vast rainforests of La Chorrera offer an equally nurturing environment.
7 Little Known Facts about Panamanian Chocolate
The Chocolate Festival: Panama has an entire festival dedicated to chocolate. The Festival del Chocolate in Bocas del Toro is a grand celebration of the country's beloved cocoa. Talk about a chocoholic's dream come true!
From Bean to Bar: Many Panamanian chocolate brands promote a bean-to-bar policy, emphasizing local production, sustainability, and a rich, unadulterated chocolate flavor.
Biodynamic Farming: Some farms in Panama practice biodynamic farming—a holistic approach that aligns farming activities with lunar and astrological cycles, aiming to create a balanced ecosystem. It's chocolate production that’s not just organic, but cosmic!
Fine Flavor Cacao: Panama's cacao beans are categorized as "Fine Flavor," a label given to only 8% of the world's cacao. This distinction is a testament to the superior quality and unique flavor profile of Panamanian chocolate.
Heirloom Cacao Preservation (HCP): The Heirloom Cacao Preservation, in partnership with the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA), has identified and designated certain cacao trees in Panama as heirloom cacao due to their exceptional flavor and quality.
Ethical and Fair Trade: Many Panamanian chocolate brands promote fair trade, ensuring farmers and workers receive equitable compensation for their labor.
Chocolate Tourism: There's a burgeoning trend of chocolate tourism in Panama. Tourists can take a trip to a cacao farm, learn about the chocolate-making process, and of course, sample the delectable product.
There you have it, chocolate lovers - a tantalizing taste of Panama's sweetest secret!
