Heirloom cacao is an ancestral or traditional cacao varietal propagated on farms or found in wild or semi-wild conditions, that exhibits exceptionally complex, balanced, and unique flavor profiles.
Heirloom and indigenous species of cacao have a number of ecological, economic and social benefits:
Cacao is a crop grown primarily by small-scale farmers in lowland tropical regions. Research shows that where cacao is an important source of income, it contributes to roughly one-third of a family’s total revenue.
Heirloom cacao flourishes in most shaded environments. Shade-grown cacao thrives in biodiverse agroforestry systems. By intercropping with fruit trees like bananas and papayas, farmers create resilient ecosystems that protect against blight, enhance biodiversity, and provide diverse income sources, making it a crucial tool in combating deforestation.
Heirloom beans have terrific overall balance — complex and intense, long and pleasant — as well as exceptional flavor. It's this unique flavor profile that can be used to attract higher market prices for such rare beans, providing more revenue for the farmers cultivating them.
How to identify chocolate made from Heirloom Cacao
What does pure Heirloom Cacao mean and how is it used in chocolate? When chocolate lovers see this label on a bar or on the website of a retailer, chocolatier, or chocolate maker they can guarantee that the chocolate they've chosen is made from pure or partially from Heirloom Cacao. We want to help consumers make a conscious choice when choosing from the many bars on the market.
PURE HEIRLOOM CACAO
What does this mean? The total cocoa liquor in this product contains 100% Heirloom-designated beans
CONTAINS HEIRLOOM CACAO
What does this mean? The total cocoa liquor in this product contains 30%-99% Heirloom designated beans
If you use Heirloom Cacao and want to add the HCP's label, contact us!
