Chulucanas, Peru

Once nearly extinct, this rare cacao is a true treasure—difficult to find in its pure form without being blended with lesser-quality beans. Grown in the rugged, unforgiving valleys of the Andes, this chocolate must endure the extremes: bursts of dry heat, sudden gusting winds, and the unpredictable rhythm of tropical rainstorms. It’s a challenging environment, but one that shapes the character of the cacao itself—resilient, bold, and deeply flavorful. Its survival is a testament to the dedication of local farmers who, year after year, nurture these trees with care, replanting by hand to preserve a legacy nearly lost to time.