Firetree – Makira, Solomon Islands, Dark 75%

About the bar

This 75% dark bar from Firetree has a deep and complex flavour profile, thanks to the rich volcanic soil on Makira Island where its cocoa beans are grown. We picked up on notes of grapefruit zest, raisin, and caramel.

About the maker

With the cocoa trees’ yellow, red and orange pods, from a distance it can look like a tree on fire, say the founders of Firetree Chocolate. This chocolate maker’s name also resonates with its sourcing of cacao from small islands on the Pacific Ring of Fire, all of which have a volcanic past. In some cases, the cocoa trees are still growing besides dormant volcanos.

Firetree’s founders, David Zulman and Martyn O’Dare, have a wealth of chocolate expertise and passion. David ran a large confectionery business in his native South Africa before coming to the UK. And Martyn spent many years setting up factories all over the world for both Cargill and Cocoa Barry (and most recently a new craft chocolate factory set for launch in Madagascar).  Back in 2017 they joined forces and determined to create a unique small batch, single estate craft chocolate company in the UK.

The beans

Lucy, Firetree’s dedicated farmer for these beans, not only owns the land that she works on but also exclusively employs women to assist in cocoa production. The income she generates by selling her premium-quality cocoa directly to Firetree has enabled her two daughters to attend university with the plan to return to take over the family business, inspired by the sustainability and rewards of cocoa farming.

Makira, the easternmost island in the Solomon Islands’ main group, is rich in tropical fruits. The island features a single 10km road that connects the main village, passing by Lucy’s farm, to another remote village. A grass landing strip serves as the most reliable way to reach Makira, as saltwater crocodiles have made the coastal areas their home.

Allergens*

No allergens listed by maker.

Ingredients

Cocoa mass, unrefined sugar, cocoa butter, emulsifier: sunflower lecithin

*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.