Ucayali River Cacao has partnered with cocoa farmers along the Ucayali River outside the Peruvian city of Pucallpa, Peru. Many of the farmers only means of transporting cacao is by small boat along the river. Farmers are paid a premium price for fresh cacao that is opened the morning of pick-up and loaded into fermentation boxes by nightfall. Ucayali River Cacao is sun dried in a central fermentation area using elevated drying racks. Ucayali River Cacao grows in a region that is known for unrest and narco-trafficking. To help stem the drug trade the government has partnered with USAID, Alianza Peru, and Ucayali River Cacao with a special program to give local farmers access to alternative ways to earn an income other than harvesting coca plants. Communities along the Ucayali River lack infrastructure such as schools, roads, and electrical power. By planting and selling legal crops the Peru government rewards these communities with grants for badly needed infrastructure.
Harvest Season: April to August and November to December.
Bean Origin: Curimaná District, Peru
Cacao Variety: Local Trinitario ancestors
Ingredients: Organic Cocoa Beans, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Cocoa Butter
Organic: Yes (uncertified direct trade)
Tasting Notes: Soft and Delicate, low bitterness, Mocha, Cedar, Bright Citrus
