Name: Finest Venezuelan Sur del Lago Raw Cacao Paste
Brand: Mili Mendez
Price: 23.0 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

another image of the box and the wrapped cacao paste

the information card that comes in the box

Limited Edition | Single Estate | 2nd Harvest | 2023

£43.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Weight

250g

500g

1kg

Wild harvested in the beautiful El Milagro estate deep in the Sur del Lago region of Venezuela the 2nd harvest from 2023 features notes of roasted cocoa, walnut and hazelnut, with hints of wood, caramel, brown sugar, and malt, reflecting the classic characteristics of fine ancestral criollo cacao.

Please not the raw cacao paste has a mottled appearance due to the high quality cacao butter contained within it.

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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

Raw cacao is a nutrient powerhouse, boasting higher calcium content than cow’s milk, being one of the richest plant-based sources of magnesium and the highest plant-based source of iron.

It contains over 40 times the antioxidants found in blueberries and includes mood-enhancing chemicals like serotonin and phenylethylamine, which help alleviate depression.

Additionally, the flavonoid theobromine in cacao reduces 'bad' LDL cholesterol while increasing 'good' HDL cholesterol, promoting heart health.

Suitable for vegans and anyone on a diary free diet.

The 2023 2nd harvest cacao features notes of roasted cocoa, walnut and hazelnut, with hints of wood, caramel, brown sugar, and malt, reflecting the characteristics of ancestral criollo cacao.

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.

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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 Raw Cacao Paste