Elemental Chocolates’ owner, Paul Mosca has a keen sense for high-quality, exotic cocoa, so it is not surprising that his latest acquisition hails from coastal Peru, which is known for its rich soil and notable cocoa harvests.
Acquired from Tumbes, Peru, Paul joined two other chocolate entrepreneurs to purchase this particular crop. The beans were sampled from 6 cooperative farms from the semi-arid climate, and were sought after for their exceptional balance of wild fruit and dark, rich chocolate flavors.
“Although I prefer Caribbean-grown beans, these are truly remarkable. While roasting, the aromas that they produce are extraordinary, and despite their complex aroma the beans are light in color, but rich in taste,” commented Paul.
Paul and his colleagues were able to import a metric ton of the coveted cocoa beans, which arrived this past May. Shortly after seeing the beans through customs, Tumbes co-operative contacted Paul with the news that they had received an award from the Peruvian cocoa governing body granting them the top co-operative in the Tumbes region.
Paul is going to use these exceptional beans for ground cocoa for pastry chefs who are local to the Raleigh, NC region, among other uses.
“The beans are very easy to work with in the kitchen, allowing me to make batches to order. The flavor is there; I don’t have to do much to bring out the rich natural chocolate taste,” said Paul.
Paul will also use the cocoa for Elemental Chocolate’s signature chocolate covered cocoa beans, which are picked, roasted and dipped, all by hand.
