Esmeraldas

Experience the vibrant flavors of single origin chocolate crafted from fine flavor cacao grown in the Esmeraldas region of Ecuador. Our award-winning 70% dark chocolate showcases one of Ecuador's most celebrated cacao-growing regions with very low acidity, intense berry jam flavors and a long finish.

We roast the cacao beans for this bar in small batches, using a custom roast profile we created specifically to maximize their flavor. We then stone grind the nibs in melanguers and conche for five days, using a conche profile that's also specific to this bean, allowing us to fully develop all of the incredible flavors.

Goodnow Farms also freshly press the cocoa butter for this bar from the same Esmeraldas beans we use to make the chocolate, resulting in intense single origin flavor and exceptional smoothness. We’re one of the only chocolate makers in North America to press our own cocoa butter, and it makes a world of difference in flavor. 

Tasting notes:  Deep berry jam (blueberry, blackberry). Reminiscent of cabernet grapes

Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Organic Sugar, Fresh Pressed Cocoa Butter
Soy Free | Gluten Free | Not Alkalized | No Lecithin | Vegan

How We Source Our Esmeraldas Cacao

Our multiple award winning Esmeraldas bar is made from cacao beans sourced directly from the Salazar family farm in the Esmeraldas region of Ecuador. The Salazars have over one hundred acres of carefully cultivated Nacional hybrid cacao trees on their farm. The volume of beans they harvest allows them to ferment and dry the beans themselves. This along with the level of control they have over the cacao varietals they plant and their post harvest processing, results in beans of exceptional quality and flavor. 

Learn more about our trip to Costa Esmeraldas and how we source our Esmeraldas cacao.

Collections:  This bar can also be found in The Signature Line Collection, The South America Collection, The Gold Winners Collection, and The Good Food Award Winners Collection.

Pairings:  For cheese pairing selections please visit our Tastings & Pairings page.