Exploring Peruvian Cocoa: A small test batch of artisan chocolate

Every cocoa bean has a story to tell. The soil, climate, and care given to each tree shape the flavors locked within the bean. For this small test batch, we worked with cocoa beans from Tsiriari, Peru—beans known for their bright, fruity notes and delicate floral undertones.

Tsiriari, a small area within the VRAE region, is located in the mid-southern jungle of Peru. The flavor profiles of Tsiriari offer a wonderful contradiction to the typical flavors found here. Tsiriari cacao is shade-grown and made up of a variety of native Criollo beans, resulting in a unique and complex taste experience.

For this test batch, we are working for the first time with cocoa from the small cooperative "Asociación de Mujeres Emprendedoras Warmi Tsinani." Founded in 2010 by women, the Co-op consists entirely of female farmers, with only 14 active members. Beyond cacao, they also cultivate coffee, corn, ginger, tapioca, and bananas, believing that the best way to bring harmony to the environment is through biodiversity. While we are still exploring these beans and their potential, we are excited to learn from their unique flavor profile. 

When crafting artisan chocolate, a test batch is where the journey begins. It allows us to explore the bean’s full potential, adjusting roasting, refining, and conching to highlight its unique flavors.

The Process

We started with a small batch of cocoa beans, carefully sorted to remove any defects. A gentle roast brought out the beans’ natural fruitiness—notes of berries and citrus emerged, hinting at the complexity within.

Next, we cracked and winnowed the beans, separating the flavorful nibs from their husks. The nibs were then stone-ground with organic cane sugar, slowly refining into smooth dark chocolate. As the hours passed, the chocolate evolved, revealing subtle floral accents that complemented the initial burst of fruit.

The Result

After tempering and molding, the test batch was ready. The finished dark chocolate had a vibrant flavor—bright fruitiness balanced with a touch of floral elegance. Each bite was a reflection of Peru’s rich cocoa heritage.

This is why we love making small test batches. Every origin has a unique voice, and through careful craftsmanship, we get to bring that voice to life. Stay tuned as we continue experimenting—there’s always more to discover in the world of artisan chocolate.