10 minute read
Lifestyles
The Home of Cocoa
Excellence Awards for TT Chocolates
By Anna Walcott-Hardy
“In so many ways you can say Trinidad gave cocoa to the world…Most of the cocoa varieties grown around the world were distributed largely from Trinidad. That is why Trinidad is known internationally, wherever cocoa is produced, as the home of cocoa.” Professor Pathmanathan Umaharan of The University of the West Indies Cocoa Research Centre (CRC) has championed the historic role local cocoa has made since the 18th century, from additions to Cadbury chocolates to the genetic materials that were exported to populate cocoa estates throughout the British Commonwealth. Once celebrated as the locus of the cocoa empire, this legacy of excellence continues today with the increasing use of the high yielding, disease-resistant Trinitario, a hybrid of the Criollo and Forastero cocoa strains.
TOP: Mr. Winthrop Harewood | LEFT: Ms. Annette Mills
BELOW: Farmers of the Four Roads Tamana Cluster. The Four Roads Tamana Cluster sample is the first time a composite sample from different farms in a community, was submitted on behalf of T&T. The members of this group are Mr. Albert Maloney, Mr. Calvin David, Ms. Helen Monsegue, Mr. Lyncoln Salandy, as well as Mr. Martin and Jacqueline Matthew who processed the group’s sample. This latter couple won an International Cocoa Award for a sample from their estate, in 2019.
winners were announced via an online ceremony with Winthrop Harewood of Tableland and Annette Mills of Aripo winning Silver, and Farmers from the Four Roads Tamana Cocoa Association receiving Bronze for the region of Central America and the Caribbean.
The Cocoa of Excellence Awards celebrate and promote quality and diversity through a culture of excellence in the cocoa sector. All three participants were winners of the National Cocoa Awards, held at the Cocoa Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago (CDCTT) earlier this year, and their bean samples were submitted on to the Cocoa of Excellence Programme. The Programme is the entry point for cocoa producing countries to participate in the international awards.
Annette Mills’ story is one of many that reflects the true fortitude of the Trinidadian entrepreneur. Over forty years ago she began reviving the Charamal Estate in the Heights of Aripo, facing incredible challenges from large snakes entering the home to landslides, even having at times to sleep in her car. Now she is grateful, but not surprised that the estate’s beans were named in the top 50 of the best cocoa-bean samples in the world.
“In 1979 I purchased an abandoned cocoa estate of twenty acres and set about to transform it with the aid of three young men, my sons…the old fields were rehabilitated and new ones were established with grafted seedlings interplanted with citrus, bananas, various fruit trees… life was a huge learning curve, every day brought different challenges.” After enrolling in a course at the CRC and armed with a background in catering, she’s now a chocolatier crafting 75% dark chocolate bars, bon-bons and truffles as well as cocoa butter and powder. The lush estate also houses a guest lodge and offers plantation tours, a breakfast hike and chocolate-making demonstrations.
Annette’s journey is one of the many stories that reflect the dedication and innovation of our local cocoa farmers and chocolatiers.
To learn more visit: Charamal Estate: 1 (868) 756-1196 https://www.charamalcocoatt.com/
Eat, Grow, Glow
By Paul Hadden
Photos: Shaun Rambaran
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives, yet it has also given us time to reflect on many aspects of modern life and begin making positive changes on a personal and communal level. One such positive trend has been the growing movement to eat more locally grown produce. “Eat what you grow” is a developing trend in the region and the world, and one which was made even more vital as we experienced the sudden and disconcerting interruption of the global supply during the pandemic. Eating what we grow and growing what we eat is a wonderful way for us to rediscover the connection to the land while enjoying delicious, home-grown, nutritious foods. Here are some examples of the types of amazing produce cultivated right here in T&T:
Mangoes
First brought to the islands from India with the arrival of the East Indian indentured labourers, the mango has become one of the most beloved fruits on the islands. The choices are immense with over seventy varieties grown on our soil.
Hot Peppers
Many Trinidadians and Tobagonians relish peppers, which is good news considering that they are packed with health benefits. Notably, the Trinidad Scorpion Pepper, native to Moruga, boasts a whopping 2,000,000 units on the Scoville Scale, making it one of the hottest peppers in the world!
Peas and Beans
What would Trini food be without pigeon peas, channa, kidney beans? These and other legumes are staple features of the diet in the “blue zones” of the world: areas known for the longevity of the local people.
Cocoa
Trinidad is home to some of the finest cocoa in the world. The famed Trinitario cocoa bean, prized for its superior flavour and used by almost all local chocolatiers, was originally developed here in the 18th century as a cross between two varieties of cocoa: the Criollo and Forastero. Research shows that dark chocolate is one of nature’s medicines and may even help to alleviate mental troubles such as depression and anxiety.
Feels Good to Eat...
Herbs
Local dishes always call for a healthy addition of fresh herbs and seasonings. Easy to grow and cultivate, herbs such as chive, chadon béni, and Spanish thyme play a key role in adding that delicious flavour to many of our most beloved foods.
Leafy Greens
Many leafy greens such as kale, lettuce, and spinach are packed full of vitamins and nutrients, and with the advent of hydroponics it has become easier than ever to grow these healthy and delicious greens right in our backyards.
Coconuts
The spiky coconut trees, which are found throughout the islands, are one of the Caribbean’s most iconic fruit trees. Fresh coconut water is not only hydrating but also a wonderful source of antioxidants.
Citrus Fruits
Our tropical islands possess the perfect climate for all kinds of delicious citrus fruits. Packed with vitamin C, fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons are tasty and nutritious.
Ground Provisions
Root vegetables such as cassava, yam, dasheen, and eddoes have long been used in many local dishes including our hearty soups and stews. Rich in fibre, these foods are filling, nutritious, and extremely versatile in their preparation.
Tomatoes
A popular ingredient for many local dishes such as choka and buljol, tomatoes are surprisingly easy to grow and often yield a large harvest. Tomatoes are most plentiful during the hot Dry Season.
What You Grow
Food for Thought
Craving something gourmet?
Are your taste-buds craving something gourmet? If so, then you must visit Peppercorns now. A one-stop gourmet shop with three accessible mall locations. Shop in comfort at Peppercorns which offers you local and imported gourmet and grocery items from cereals to cheeses, meats, frozen foods, gluten free items and more. With a variety of gourmet brands that are otherwise difficult to source in T&T, Peppercorns provides its customers with high quality products and fresh produce. https://peppercornstt.com/
A Fresh Perspective
A fresh perspective is sometimes necessary to truly enjoy life and at Fresh you can certainly find that new outlook and take back your health. Fresh is a grocery store born out of a love for life and a shared belief that the path to optimal health starts with clean and wholesome food. For natural and organic foods, supplements, body care products and even cleaning supplies, enjoy a fresh new world at 49 Saddle Road Maraval. Tel: 622-7828
Taste the Caribbean at Munch Kings
Looking for a Taste of the Caribbean? Well look no further. Munch Kings offers you just that with local flavours of premium home-made ice cream. What makes Munch Kings’ ice-cream unique is the use of natural ingredients and fresh milk - it is like having a spectacular burst of the Caribbean on a cone. With 9 convenient locations throughout Trinidad, it is quite easy to treat your taste buds to a variety of local flavours. www.facebook.com/MunchKingsIceCream/
Molay Marketplace & Cafe
Finally, Diego Martin has its own gourmet Marketplace & Café, at 57 Schneider Gardens. We combine home kitchen know-how with gourmet techniques & ingredients for breakfast & lunch. Dine-in on our breezy porch or in the Tea Room, or grab ‘To-Go’ from our fully stocked chillers. Savour amazing New England Coffee, specialty teas, fresh-fruit smoothies & delightful baked goods. You will love Molay Marketplace, full of local artisan items & imported favourites. Opening hours, menu & more on social media. https://www.facebook.com/molaymarketplace
Say hello to Tobago Gold Chocolate Rum Cream, invented in Tobago and a new twist on the old tradition of Trinbago Cocoa Tea.
This blend has the signature of Lars Söderström, CEO and founder of Tobago Gold Europe BV. “By combining the finest cocoa with Caribbean flavours, and mixing this blend with rum, we created a unique cream liqueur.” Söderström proudly explains that with its high percentage of premium cocoa and a low sugar content, Tobago Gold aims to meet the preferences of today’s modern consumer.
While living in Trinidad, in 2004 Söderström bought the abandoned 365-acre La Caurita cocoa estate in Maracas Valley and brought the estate back to life by replanting cocoa trees and building a new cocoa house. This was the initial spark leading to the creating of Tobago Gold. “Tobago makes you happy, everyone who comes here loves it! Tobago is beautiful, clean, green and serene. The natural beauty is the inspiration behind the name and packaging of our product.”
Tobago Gold has received exceptional consumer feed-back world-wide, and was also recognized several times in international taste and design awards. After the successful launch in Trinidad & Tobago in 2021, Söderström says the team is now dedicated to bringing this exciting new product to consumers worldwide, and it is already delighting consumers in several European countries. “I want to bring a Caribbean flavour, with a Carnival Spirit to the world – creativity, happiness, inclusiveness and above all having fun together.”
