How Chocolate is Made: Bean to Market Journey

Attention, chocolate fanatics! You might think you know chocolate, but there’s more to this beloved treat than meets the eye. Prepare for an exciting that will take you from ancient history to modern industry practices. By the end of this article, you’ll see chocolate in a whole new light.

Where Chocolate Originated: A Sweet History

Let’s delve into some fascinating chocolate history that will make you crave chocolate by the end. Did you know that chocolate has been keeping human taste buds happy for over 4,000 years? You probably have come across the Roman Empire in history class, so you could have been learning about the ancient Mesoamericans and their chocolate obsession!

Where chocolate originated is a very rich tale much like actual chocolate itself. The story begins in the tropical regions of South America, where the cacao tree, Theobroma cacao, was first cultivated. The Olmecs, Mayans, and Aztecs were pioneers in this field. They valued cacao beans so highly that they used them as currency. Imagine paying for shopping with cacao beans instead of money—that’s how valuable it was!

Interestingly, the chocolate these ancient civilizations enjoyed was quite different from today’s sweet treat. It was a bitter, frothy drink often mixed with chili peppers. Quite a unique concoction!

Fast forward to 1892, when cacao made its grand entrance into Cameroon, Equatorial Africa. This moment significantly changed the chocolate industry, and it’s a legacy that EMKAO Foods is proud to be part of. But we’ll dive deeper into that innovative brand later– there’s more intriguing information to cover first.

How Chocolate is Made: A Blend of Sweetness

The journey from bean to treat is a fascinating process. It’s so intricate and meticulous that once you understand it, you’ll never take a bite of chocolate for granted again.

How chocolate is made starts with the humble cacao pod. These colorful, football-shaped fruits are harvested by hand. It is quite a labor-intensive process that requires skill and precision from trained individuals. The pods are then cracked open to reveal the precious beans inside. These pods will then be exposed to undergo fermentation. Yes, fermentation! This step is the most important, as it develops the complex flavors that define chocolate.

After fermentation, the beans are dried, usually under the hot tropical sun. Then comes the roasting—the moment when the true chocolate aroma begins to develop. Do you smell that rich, enticing scent? That’s the result of carefully controlled roasting.

But there’s more to the process. The roasted beans are cracked and winnowed to remove the shells, leaving behind the prized cacao nibs. These nibs are then ground into a paste called cocoa liquor. At this point, two separate processes can be made. The liquor is pressed to separate cocoa butter from cocoa powder, or it is mixed with other ingredients to make chocolate or the chocolates we typically eat.

For dark chocolate lovers, the process is relatively simple: cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, and sugar are mixed, refined, and conched (a mixing process that develops flavor and texture). For milk chocolate? Just add milk powder to the mix.

Here’s a surprising fact: the entire process, from tree to treat, can take several weeks. The next time you unwrap a piece of chocolate, take a moment to appreciate the time, effort, and craftsmanship that went into it.

What Cocoa is Good for You: The Health Hero

Now, let’s discuss some guilt-free delights. What you’re about to learn might change your relationship with chocolate forever. Are you ready? What cocoa is good for you might surprise you—it’s actually a health food in disguise!

Dark chocolate, in particular, is packed with powerful antioxidants called flavonoids. These compounds fight free radicals in your body that will lower your risk of heart disease. But that’s just the beginning.

Cocoa has been shown to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. It might even boost brain function and mood. Feeling a bit down? A square of dark chocolate will kickstart the happy hormones and be that uplifting snack in that moment. And let’s not forget about the minerals. It has magnesium, zinc, and iron that our body needs to thrive and function normally.

However, there’s an important point: not all chocolate is created equal. To reap these benefits, you need high-quality, minimally processed cocoa. And that’s where EMKAO Foods comes into play.

EMKAO Foods: Revolutionizing Chocolate One Bean at a Time

Now, let’s explore something truly exciting. Remember where chocolate originated and how we mentioned Cameroon earlier? EMKAO Foods is bringing the rich, unique flavors of Cameroonian cacao right to your homes. But they’re not just another chocolate company—they’re on a mission to transform the chocolate industry for the better.

EMKAO’s story is as rich as their chocolate. It all started on the Kotou Farm in the Méfou-et-Afamba region of Cameroon. For three generations, the EMKAO family has been perfecting the art of how chocolate is made. They have the level of chocolate expertise that can be felt in every bite.

What makes EMKAO special is its wholesome commitment to ethical and sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the communities they work with. That’s chocolate you should support and feel good doing so.

EMKAO’s farm is UTZ-certified, which is a significant achievement in the world of sustainable agriculture. It means they’re committed to fair wages and sustainable farming practices. But they don’t stop there. EMKAO pays their farmers and workers 67% more for cacao beans than the industry standard. They are not only doing good business but also changing lives.

Also, EMKAO’s sustainable practices allow them to produce twice the yield of non-certified cacao farmers. It’s proof that ethical business can also be smart business.

Now, let’s explore the products that will elevate your chocolate experience.

POKAO Cocoa Powder: Pure, Ethical, and Irresistible

Meet your new favorite: POKAO Cocoa Powder. This isn’t your average cocoa powder but sits at the top of the best cocoa powers in the world. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how this kind of chocolate is made with this level of care and innovation.

What makes POKAO special? It all starts with those premium Trinitario cocoa beans from the Kotou farm. These beans are carefully harvested, fermented to perfection, and then roasted at precisely 130ºC. The result? A cocoa powder that’s fudgy, sweet, and slightly bitter, with subtle notes of dry fruit and florals. It’s a flavor profile that will delight your taste buds.

Here’s the impressive part: POKAO Cocoa Powder is 100% pure. No additives, no sugar—just unadulterated cocoa magic. It’s ground to a fine 5-120 mesh consistency, which is perfect for all your baking and culinary creations. Whether you’re baking or whipping up a luxurious hot chocolate, POKAO has you covered.

And remember those health benefits we discussed earlier? With POKAO, you’re getting all those nutrients in their purest form. It’s not just delicious but also health-friendly as well.

CHOKAO Dark Chocolate Chips: A Taste of Cameroon in Every Bite

If you found POKAO exciting, wait until you hear about CHOKAO Dark Chocolate Chips. These aren’t your average baking chips—they’re drops of chocolate yumminess that will elevate your goods to professional bakery standards.

Imagine perfectly formed water drop-shaped chips, each one 23mm of pure dark chocolate bliss. These chips are made right in EMKAO’s factory in Mission, BC, using the same premium Cameroonian cocoa beans as POKAO. They’re carefully conched, mixed, heated, and tempered to achieve the perfect snap and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What really sets CHOKAO apart is the flavor. Take a bite, and it’s as if you’re in the lush cocoa farms of Cameroon. It has a rich, complex flavor, unlike all other commercial chocolate chips you buy in local groceries. You can feel the origin of the dark chocolate chips through and through. This is a pastry chef’s choice for chocolate chips.

The versatility of CHOKAO chips is impressive. They’ll undoubtedly add luxury to your cookies, but why stop there? Melt them for a decadent fondue, sprinkle them over your morning oatmeal, or simply enjoy them as they are. Popping chips into your mouth is the perfect afternoon slump snack!

The EMKAO Difference: Why Your Choice Matters

You might be wondering, “Why should I choose EMKAO over other brands?” Let’s explore some reasons that might change your perspective on chocolate purchases.

Choosing EMKAO isn’t just about buying chocolate. It’s about supporting a company that cares about cocoa farmers, the environment, and making the chocolate industry better. Their UTZ certification isn’t just a fancy sticker – it shows they’re serious about doing things the right way.

EMKAO is always trying to improve. They’re constantly researching new ways to make their chocolate better and their business practices smarter. When you buy from EMKAO, you’re backing a company that’s not happy with just being “good enough.” They want to make the whole industry better.

Here’s something cool about EMKAO: they let you trace your chocolate back to where it came from. You can actually find out which farm in Cameroon grew the cocoa for your chocolate. How many other chocolate brands let you do that? It’s like getting to know the story behind your food.

Why EMKAO is the Smart Choice

So, you’ve learned about where chocolate originated, figured out how chocolate is made, and discovered what cocoa is good for you. You’ve also gotten to know EMKAO, a brand that’s not just making tasty chocolate but also making a difference in the world.

Think about it: are you up for being part of this chocolate revolution?

Picture this: you’re drinking hot cocoa made with POKAO powder. It tastes amazing, and you know that every sip is helping support fair wages for farmers. Or maybe you’re baking cookies with CHOKAO chips, and your friends can’t get enough of that rich Cameroonian cocoa flavor.

This isn’t just about treating yourself (although that’s definitely a plus). It’s about making choices that have a positive impact. By choosing EMKAO, you’re supporting ethical practices and helping create a future where chocolate isn’t just delicious – it’s also responsibly made.

So why wait? It’s time to upgrade your chocolate game. Check out EMKAO’s products and taste the difference for yourself. Your taste buds will love it, and you’ll feel good knowing you’re making a smart choice.

Remember, this isn’t just about eating chocolate. It’s about being part of a movement to make the chocolate industry better. Every time you choose EMKAO, you’re helping shape the future of chocolate. Are you ready to be part of that change?