Ara – Costa Rica Upala Dark

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.

Allergens*

May contain peanuts, may contain nuts, may contain sesame

Ingredients

Cacao, non refined sugar cane, cocoa butter

*Allergen advice: We directly import, and purchase, all products from independent makers and have these shipped by our partner warehouse (which is not certified allergen-free), and so we cannot guarantee that any product will be allergen-free. Even where an allergen is not listed, products may have been produced, shipped, or stored in facilities which handle allergens.

If you would like further information about a specific product, please contact us on [email protected] or contact the maker directly.