THE ORIGINS OF CACAO

from IAA. - Fix Your Crown Editorial

by IAmAshanti

I AM ASHANTI

// 156

I AM ASHANTI

Ly le Minh

The origins of the cacoa beans

A new wave of passionate, highly-skilled female entrepreneurs are emerging from across the African continent. Similarly, some of the world’s finest chocolates are produced in Africa, by dedicated artisan growers who are on a quest to deliver the world’s most sophisticated and delectable types of renowned African cacao. Some of the best chocolatiers on the planet happen to be women– meet the female chocolatiers redefining the chocolate industry.

Written by Sihle Qelekeshe

Did you know that almost 70% of the world’s cacao is produced in Africa? So, next time you indulge in a stunning bean-to-bar artisan chocolate block, or a homemade truffle, or a lovingly crafted chocolate packed with fluffy ganache remember that there is a high chance that it is flavoured with fresh African cacao.

Some of the world’s finest chocolates are also produced in Africa, by dedicated artisan growers who are on a quest to deliver the world’s most sophisticated and tasty types of renowned African cacao to enjoy! Because we are firm believers in Women Empowerment, what better way to dedicate our first issue by introducing you to some of the women who are chocolatiers and who have redefined the chocolate industry

Chocolates for All by Women

Selassie Atadika, a Ghanaian artisan chocolatier, is developing a high-end truffle collection inspired by Africa’s many flavours and culture. Her passion for food stems from her Ghanaian roots, and it has grown over time as she has travelled and has been exposed to both Europe and America.

Meet Kimberly and Priscilla Addison, two Ghanaian sisters who created 57 Chocolate in 2016 wanted to show that quality chocolate can be made in Ghana. The two sisters saw an opportunity to manufacture chocolate in Ghana and across the continent of Africa. FACT: Ghana is the second largest producer of cocoa.

Jazeera Suwani is an entrepreneur that creates artisan chocolates for those with dietary challenges in Kenya. Jazeera is the founder of Say it with Chocolate. She has created a business making handmade chocolates that cater for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

Sanja Hanekom, if you are looking for high quality chocolates that are produced in South Africa using the finest ingredients and that are also gluten free, look no further, Sanja has what you need at Noir Chocolates SA.

Oluwafemi Oyedipe, a Nigerian chocolatier, is at the frontline of African women chocolatiers, she is the founder of LoshesChocolate, and is soaring to greater heights with her bean-to-bar philosophy of chocolate making.

There are lot of passionate, highly skilled, women entrepreneurs emerging from across the African continent and the world who are making a name for themselves as some of the best chocolatiers on the planet!

Interesting facts about chocolate

It takes about 400 cacao beans to make one pound of chocolate.

Theobroma is the Latin name for cacao and means “Food of the Gods”.

The origin of World Chocolate Day is from the introduction of chocolate to Europe in the 1550s.

There are around 2 million cacao farms in West Africa producing around 75% of the world’s cacao. Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon are Africa’s largest cacao producers.

The smell of chocolate increases theta brain waves, which triggers relaxation.

Eating dark chocolate every day reduces the risk of heart disease by one-third.

Global retail sales of chocolate amounted to approximately 98.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2016.

Switzerland had the highest chocolate confectionery consumption per person compared to any other country. On average, every Swiss citizen consumed about 8.8 kilograms of chocolate in 2017.

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which are believed to prevent or delay certain types of diseases, including cardiac disease.

Source: Lioness of Africa