Located in Bundibugyo, Western Uganda, Semuliki Forest cacao is grown by 1,002organic smallholder farmers in the region, 52% of whom are women. Latitude Trade Co. (LTC), the company that processes and exports this cacao, has organized 6 rural collection points for farmers to access, where they sell fresh cacao weekly into the network and receive cash at the point of sale. LTC's centralized fermentation facility and warehouse is located in the village of Bumate, at the base of the hills leading into the mountains. The site is designed to take advantage of all possible available sunshine while limiting runoff from heavy rainfall. Fermentation boxes have a 500kg capacity and total duration of fermentation varies from 5.5-6.5 days. Beans are sun-dried on portable raised racks for 6-7 days and blended to create consistent lots before export. Bean Origin: Budibugyo, UgandaIngredients Used: 2 - Cacao Beans, Organic Pure Cane SugarOrganic: YesVegan: YesRoast Profile: Diedrich Roaster: 235º - 23 minutesConche Time: Grind 48hrs / Conche 24 hours Cocoa Content: 75% Cacao Variety: Weight: 3.25 ozAllergen Information: Made in a facility that processes nuts, eggs, dairy, glutenTasting Notes: Semuliki Forest 2019 led with full fudgy characteristics reminiscent of chocolate ganache and rounded out by sweet cream. A predominant almond butter and roasted cashew flavor followed, paired with dried strawberries and figs. Notes of cinnamon and adzuki beans were also equally present.
