From Bean to Bar: The Craft of Chocolate Making

¡Hola, amigos! Welcome to the joyful world of chocolate, where the sun is always shining and the mood is always bright. In Central America, where the cacao trees bask under the warm sun, the journey of your favorite treat begins.

Harvesting Cacao Beans: The Start of the Journey

The magic of chocolate starts here, deep in the tropical jungles, where ripe cacao pods hang from lush green branches. Our experienced farmers harvest each pod with care, cracking them open to reveal precious beans wrapped in sweet, juicy pulp. Did you know this pulp can be used to make cacao juice or even sticky cacao liqueur? ¡Qué rico!

Fermentation and Drying: Unlocking the Flavor

After harvesting, the cacao beans begin their flavorful transformation. They’re laid out in piles or wooden boxes, where nature works its magic and unique aromas begin to bloom. Then comes the drying – under the sun or in special drying rooms – to lock in all that character and prepare them for the next chapter of their journey.

Roasting and Cracking: The Aroma Awakens

Next, the dried beans are introduced to heat – a moment of rebirth! Roasting brings out deep, complex aromas, just like the scent of roasted coffee in a cozy Latin café. Once roasted, the beans are cracked open to reveal the nibs, the true soul of chocolate.

Grinding and Conching: Crafting a Silky Smooth Texture

Now comes the part where chocolate begins to take shape. The nibs are ground into a rich, dark paste called chocolate liquor. Then the conching begins – a long, slow mixing process, like a sweet serenade that smooths the texture and deepens the flavor. Sugar and cocoa butter are added, and the result is velvety perfection.

Tempering and Molding: The Final Flourish

Tempering is the secret to chocolate’s glossy shine and satisfying snap. By carefully heating and cooling the chocolate, we stabilize the cocoa butter crystals and create that beautiful finish. Finally, the chocolate is poured into molds – bars, truffles, or whatever our hearts (and your taste buds) desire. Once it sets, it's ready to bring joy to your day.

At Myzo, we treat the people and the planet with care. Our chocolate is made with respect for nature and love for community. We support environmental and veteran-led organizations that share our values – quietly, without boasting. Because every bar of chocolate we make is a little piece of joy, crafted responsibly, and shared with warmth.

¡Gracias for being with us – and ¡disfruta tu chocolate!