Ara Chocolat Porcelana Criollo 70% Venezuela Dark Bar

65 gram bar - Paris, France

Porcelana Criollo is a rare and highly esteemed variety of cacao, renowned for its delicate flavor profile and historical significance. Originating from the Andean region of Venezuela, particularly around Lake Maracaibo in Zulia state, Porcelana is one of the purest forms of Criollo cacao.

The cacao pods are distinctive, with smooth, pale pods and nearly white beans when unripe, which gives rise to its name, "Porcelana," meaning "porcelain" in Spanish. Due to the cacao tree’s susceptibility to diseases and pests, cultivating Porcelana is particularly challenging, making it a rare find in the cacao world.

The flavor profile of Porcelana is exceptionally mild and balanced, with tasting notes of almond, toasted bread, bay leaf, and hints of hazelnut, cream, vanilla, and bread crust. It is naturally low in acidity and astringency, providing a creamy and sweet taste with a lingering, nutty aftertaste.

The beans are harvested with great care in traditional growing areas at the foot of the Andes, where the fermentation and sun-drying processes preserve their unique characteristics.

Due to the labor-intensive cultivation and limited availability, Porcelana Criollo is considered one of the most luxerious cacaos in the world.

ingredients: Cocoa nibs, unrefined sugar, cocoa butter