Panama – Fair Trade & Organic – 2007/2008

Country of origin: Panama
Variety: Trinatario

I am pleased to be able to offer this cocoa bean again. It is from the COCABO Coastal Coop on the borders of the ‘Amistad’ Forest Preserve. In a similar fashion to Panamanian coffee this has a soft round profile. It doesn’t have a huge amount of complexity, but oddly enough it is what I liked about it. There is fruitiness (apple and fig), earthiness (light leather), chocolate (you know this one, but slightly “dutch like”) and a little balancing bitterness (just enough to balance). I would not take this one too roasted. It is a little prone to going out of balance. On the same note, don’t be afraid of this one (like the Ocumare). Just don’t over roasted it. It should roast well and easy. The preparation is really excellent. Medium and large beans. Even fermentation. I would expect this to make a really nice “mild” dark chocolate. Perfect for introducing (converting) milk chocolate lovers to your own homemade chocolate.

And a minor note – these come in “smaller” 110 lb sacks, not the traditional 60-70 kg sacks.