Name: Finest Venezuelan Sur del Lago Cacao - Second Harvest 2024
Brand: Mili Mendez
Price: 43.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Finest Venezuelan Sur del Lago Cacao - Second Harvest 2024

Limited Edition | Single Estate | 2nd Harvest | 2024

£43.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Sourced from a single farmer in the Sur del Lago region of Venezuela, Mili’s Fine Flavour 100% Cacao Paste is a single-origin cacao, exclusively imported directly from the farmer to us. Made from wild-harvested Criollo and Trinitario beans, this cacao is celebrated for its exceptional quality, rarity, and purity. Handcrafted using traditional methods, it is fermented, roasted, and stone-ground without additives or preservatives, preserving its authentic flavour and natural goodness.

Limited Edition - Second Harvest 2024

This exclusive Second Harvest 2024 edition showcases the unique terroir of the Sur del Lago region, producing an exceptional fine flavour cacao with a well-balanced and complex profile.

Why Sur del Lago Cacao?

Rare & Exclusive – Criollo cacao represents less than 5% of the world's cacao production, making this a truly special and limited fine flavour cacao.

Single-Origin & Directly and Ethically Sourced – Grown by a single farmer, ensuring full traceability and consistent quality.

Respectfully Grown & Traditionally Harvested – Cultivated using ancestral fermentation and drying methods, preserving both the land and the fine flavour characteristics of the cacao.

A Work of Natural Art

Due to its pure nature, each bar is unique, naturally moulded with beautiful patterns created by the cacao butter as it solidifies. No two pieces are the same, making it a true reflection of the artistry of nature.

Bean to Paper Packaging – Our packaging is made from cacao husk, ensuring that no part of the cacao bean goes to waste. From the bean to the paper, we embrace a fully sustainable approach to both our product and its packaging.

Discover the magic of Sur del Lago cacao – a rare, fine flavour experience crafted by nature.

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Estate: El Milagro

Established: 2014

Altitude: 65 metres above sea level

Temperature Range: Between 18°C (night) and 34°C (midday)

Cacao Varietals: Porcelana, Güasare, Ocumare 61, Sur del Lago hybrid

Harvest Date: 5th November 2023

Fermentation Time: 4 days

Fermentation Method: Baskets with banana leaves, turned at 24 and 72 hours

Drying Time: 5 days

Drying Method: African beds

Health Benefits

Rich in Antioxidants – Helps protect cells from oxidative stress, reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.

Boosts Mood & Cognitive Function – Contains theobromine and flavonoids, which enhance mental clarity, focus, and mood.

Nutrient-Dense Superfood – Naturally high in magnesium, iron, and potassium, supporting muscle function, energy levels, and heart health.

Supports Relaxation & Sleep – Contains tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin and melatonin, promoting relaxation and restful sleep.

Heart & Circulation Benefits – Flavonoids in cacao contribute to healthy blood pressure and improved circulation.

Aids Metabolism & Gut Health – Contains natural prebiotics and polyphenols that promote digestion and gut microbiome balance.

Suitable for vegans and anyone on a dairy free diet.

This exclusive Second Harvest 2024 edition showcases the unique terroir of the Sur del Lago region, producing an exceptional fine flavour cacao with a well-balanced and complex profile.

Flavour Profile:

Deep roasted cocoa with a rich, nutty character

Notes of walnut and hazelnut, adding depth and warmth

Hints of caramel and brown sugar, creating natural sweetness

Subtle woody undertones, enhancing its smooth finish

A touch of malt and sweet spice, rounding out the flavour beautifully

The result is a cacao paste with low bitterness, mild astringency, and a smooth, lingering finish, staying true to the ancestral Criollo cacao characteristics.

Ingredients: 100% fermented Criollo cacao beans

Gluten Free, Vegan, Dairy Free

Nutritional values per 100 g

Energy 640 Calories
Fat 51g
Saturates 0g
Carbohydrate 32g
Sugars 0g
Protein 13 g
Salt 0g

Store in a cool dry place.

We import our cacao directly from the single farm estate where it is grown. We are in constant contact with the team and we have visited the farm and processing plant in person.

We ship to the United Kingdom. If you are interested in us shipping to you outside of the U.K. please get in touch.

Where does our Cacao come from?

Nestled in the verdant expanses surrounding the southern shores of Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela, lies a sprawling territory of 18,440 km² that stands as a cornerstone of agricultural prowess within the states of Táchira, Mérida, Zulia, and Trujillo known as Sur del Lago. This region plays a pivotal role in the nation's cacao industry, contributing over 35% of the country's production.

Beyond its significant production capabilities, Sur del Lago is renowned as a sanctuary of genetic diversity for criollo cacao. This unique genetic richness endows our cacao with an unparalleled spectrum of aromas and flavours, setting the stage for an extraordinary chocolate experience that is as rare as it is enchanting. Our commitment to high-grade, fully traceable cacao invites you to embark on a journey of taste that is deeply rooted in the heritage and biodiversity of Sur del Lago.

Health Benefits of Raw Cacao

Calcium

Raw cacao boasts a higher calcium content than cow’s milk, with 160mg per 100g compared to only 125mg per 100ml of milk.

Magnesium

Cacao is one of the richest plant-based sources of magnesium. Magnesium is crucial for a healthy heart and plays a key role in converting glucose into energy, ensuring your brain operates with exceptional clarity and focus.

Iron

Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron that you can find. Cacao provides 13.9 mg per 100g. This compares to beef and lamb at 2.5mg.

Antioxidants

Raw cacao contains more than 40 times the antioxidants found in blueberries. With an impressive ORAC score of 98,000 per 100g compared to blueberries' 2,400, cacao is a true antioxidant powerhouse.

Anti-depressant

Cacao is an excellent source of four scientifically proven mood-enhancing chemicals: serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylethylamine. These neurotransmitters are linked to feelings of well-being and happiness and can help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Reduce 'bad' Cholesterol

The flavonoid theobromine (which is found in cacao) has been shown to reduce levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels, whilst increasing ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with increased rates of heart disease.

Traceability

We are committed to ensuring we know exactly where everything we sell comes from.

Learn more

Finest Venezuelan Sur del Lago Cacao - Second Harvest 2024