Bar of the Week: Pacari's Esmeraldas

While the vast majority of cacao originates close to the equator, the vast majority of chocolate manufacturers are based thousands of miles from the farms and plantations where their raw material is grown.  Pacari is one of the exceptions to that rule.

Quito-based Pacari produces chocolate from cacao grown in Ecuador by independant small farmers, which means that more of the chocolate-making profits stay in the country.  Pacari's chocolate is also certified organic and kosher. 

Pacari's single-region Esmeraldas bar is a 60% dark chocolate made from Arriba Nacional cacao.   In addition to cocoa solids and sugar it contains some additional cocoa butter and sunflower-derived lecithin as an emulsifier, but is dairy- and soy-free.  This fruity and floral chocolate has particular notes of banana and honey and a long finish. 

We'll be offering samples of Pacari's Esmeraldas on Saturday, September 4th.