What is Peruvian Bagua cocoa
Peruvian Bagua cocoa is one of the oldest cocoa varieties grown in Peru, in the tropical region of Bagua, located in the province of Amazonas. It seems that it was known as early as 3000 BC and that the Mayo Chinchipe populations used it for the preparation of drinks.
It is a highly sought-after variety with a light color and an aromatic and delicate flavor . Nowadays it is used to produce fine chocolate, dark or milk chocolate bars .
The plants grow mostly spontaneously, except for some small-scale crops .
In recent years this chain has been "discovered" by the fair trade market. Several companies, including Italian ones, have invested in projects aimed at enhancing this quality product, while improving the working and social conditions of those involved in the entire production cycle, from the field to the shelf.
Cocoa production
As we read in this interview, the cacao produced in Bagua is almost all criollo cocoa, considered the rarest in the world.
This plant has never been bred by man, it needs very constant care and has a lower productivity than other varieties ; factor that is largely compensated by its superior quality .
Cocoa processing is very special. When they are still fresh, the seeds are odorless and have a bitter and astringent taste. Their pulp is fermented for a few days, to ensure that the phenolic compounds undergo oxidations that vary the color, taste and smell of the seeds.
After fermentation, the seeds are dried and roasted, thus acquiring the characteristic flavor and aroma of cocoa.
Because fair trade cocoa
Fair trade circuits undertake to pay the farmer a minimum price, which ensures his subsistence. Several international projects also go one step further by starting training programs to ensure that crops become more efficient and productive.
This issue is particularly urgent in the cocoa supply chain. In fact, Fair Trade, the international fair trade certification brand, points out that world cocoa prices have fallen by more than a third within a single year.
The consequences are farmers, who in most cases are the weakest link in the supply chain.
Precisely from a Fair Trade study it emerges that the average income of a family of Ivorian peasants is equal to only 2, 600 dollars a year, a figure much lower than the 6, 133 dollars a year that in that territory are indispensable to maintain a standard of dignified life.
Paying a few handfuls of extra cents for a chocolate bar, for us westerners, makes little difference. But it is a small gesture of responsibility with which we contribute to ensuring a better life for farmers in the southern hemisphere.
