Ara – Costa Rica Upala Dark

Description

This Ara Costa Rica dark chocolate uses a rare cacao from Upala in Costa Rica.

Ara buys its beans directly from a small cooperative in the region. In June of 2017 Sabrina and Andres from Ara flew out to Costa Rica and visit the farmers. They were thus able to see first hand the biodynamic farming techniques in the plantations.

As well as this, they saw how the farmers fermented the beans. As soon as they remove the beans from the pods, the farmers put them in wooden boxes to ferment. This step is crucial to flavour development, as many different chemical reactions take place inside the beans. After this Sabrina and Andres saw how the cacao beans dry in the sun for 10-13 days. While this had less impact on flavour, it is crucial the beans are properly dried for transport.

Tasting Notes:

The dark chocolate is undeniably rich and creamy with a deep, indulgent notes. A distinctly creamy note reminds of chocolate mousse. Meanwhile hints of coffee come through and develop a stronger roast. Malt and double cream also reveal themselves.