REGION

TOLEDO

SOURCE

MAYA MOUNTAIN CACAO, LTD.

Tasting Notes

HONEY, PINEAPPLE, RAISIN

CERTIFICATIONS

ORGANIC

Awards and Designations

HEIRLOOM CACAO PRESERVATION, CACAO OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

ABOUT

Maya Mountain Cacao (MMC) is a social enterprise established to improve cacao quality with a centralized fermentary and to connect small-scale cacao farmers in the Toledo and South Stann Creek district of southern Belize to the US craft chocolate market. MMC purchases wet cacao from over 350+ certified organic family farms, most of whom are indigenous Q’eqchi’ and Mopan Maya. Bean genetics include Amelonado-dominant hybrids and other Upper Amazon Forastero hybrids. The harvest season lasts from March-May. Cacao is fermented for 6–7 days using the Linear box 4 stage system, followed by a 3 stage sun drying for optimum flavor for 7-14 days. MMC commits to a consistent price throughout the season, allowing for more stability for farmers.

Ritual has been working with Maya Mountain since 2013.