Where does the coca bean come from?

The Journey of the Cocoa Bean – A Tale of Tradition and Taste

From the lush equatorial rainforests arise the source of wonders—cocoa beans. This tiny, mighty bean is at the heart of every decadent treat crafted at Hamiltons Chocolates. But have you ever pondered where these beans embark on their journey?

Africa: The Chocolate Continent

Africa reigns supreme, producing a staggering 75% of the globe's cocoa. Picture this: small-scale farmers across thousands of villages, for whom cocoa isn't just a plant, it's a lifeline—an economic pillar sustaining families, communities, farms.

The Habitat of Theobroma Cacao

Here's a glimpse into the cocoa tree's abode:

• Latitude: Thriving solely in the tropics.
• Protection: Younglings grow under the canopy of towering plants. Think banana or palm trees.
• Maturity: A five-year wait before the magic begins and fruits appear.

Cycle of Creation

The lifecycle of cocoa is mesmerizing:

1. Flower to Fruit: Six-month transformation.
2. Unique Growth: Pods sprout directly from the trunk—nature’s own design wonder.
3. Harvesting: A dance of precision, workers wield long poles to delicately ply pods from trees.

Post-Harvest Alchemy

Transforming beans into chocolate-ready wonders is an art:

• Fermentation: Out from the pod, cocoa beans nest under banana leaves. Five to seven days, and their true flavor is born.
• Sun’s Embrace: Post the fermenting ritual, the beans bask under the sun for about a week.

The Path to Perfection

Before aspiring to become part of Hamiltons Chocolates' Luxury Chocolate Boxes, beans go through meticulous steps:

1. Grading: A vital check to ensure that only top-tier beans make the cut.
2. Weighing and Packing: Bundled for the journey ahead.
3. Sealing and Assuring: Each sack, a promise of quality.

Destination: Indulgence

Fast forward, and those same beans find themselves in grand warehouses:

• Registration: Each bean's tale is chronicled.
• Quality Control: A second round of scrutiny.
• Awaiting Journey: Destined for chocolate havens around the globe.

The Cocoa Tale: By the Numbers

In every chocolate truffle or Belgian Ballotin Box lies a tale. A tale woven from the tools of tradition, enrobed in the persistence of farmers, and garnished with the promise of quality that Hamiltons Chocolates is renowned for. The cocoa bean's odyssey is not just a narrative of growth and transformation, but a testament to the beauty of nature's gifts, crafted into luxury experiences for the discerning palate.

Next time you savor a piece of fine chocolate, remember the journey; from a humble bean to an exquisite bite of happiness. A journey much like the one you're invited to embark upon with Hamiltons Chocolates, where every confectionery creation is a chapter in the lavish book of chocolate artistry.