Why include organic cocoa in your diet instead of regular cocoa?

Who doesn''t like cocoa? The food of God, as the Mayans called it, is an indispensable ingredient in our cuisine. In addition to its many medicinal properties, it has a rich flavour that enhances many a dish or drink. This time, we present cocoa that has been especially carefully cultivated - and once you know how, you won''t be disappointed.

Organic cocoa, or organic cocoa beans, represent less than 1% of the world''s cocoa crop. The majority of organic beans, around 75%, are grown in the Americas, led by the Dominican Republic. In line with the organic standards under which cocoa is grown, producers strive to maintain healthy soils, ecosystems and people, using only natural fertilisers and replacing synthetic and toxic pesticides with natural alternatives. Organic production refers to ecological processes and biodiversity, and is adapted to local conditions. It combines tradition, innovation and science in order to ensure fair relations and good quality for all involved.

The optimal environment for cocoa production

The belief that "organic" means "chemical-free" is not a misconception - the main advantage of organic cocoa is that no pesticides or chemical fertilisers are added during the processing process. A sustainable cocoa production system ensures an optimal growing environment - the more optimal the environment, the less intervention is needed to control diseases and pests. The cacao tree, the evergreen from which cocoa is extracted, thrives best in the Amazon rainforest or in humid and tropical climates with stable high temperatures.

For cocoa to qualify for the ''organic'' label, the following factors must also be met:

Shade and biodiversity

Shade is indispensable for organic cocoa production, which is why growers plant trees that provide plenty of shade alongside the cocoa trees. They create a balance between shade and sunlight by regularly pruning old and diseased branches, which also allows good ventilation and prevents fungal infections.

Soil fertility

Cocoa needs soil that contains the right balance of essential nutrients to grow vigorously. A healthy plant is more resistant to pests and diseases, which is prevented, for example, by building terraces or barriers or walls of stones.

Pest and disease control

Cocoa is at high risk of attack from various pests and diseases, which are estimated to cause as much as 1/3 of the world''s crop to be lost each year. The use of pesticides and fertilisers is not allowed in organic cocoa production, so it is important to protect the cocoa plants by ensuring an optimal balance of sunlight, shade, air, water and nutrients.

All these key factors in organic cocoa production are followed by proper harvesting and careful fermentation and drying of the cocoa beans. All these processes are carefully controlled to ensure a high quality crop.

Fairtrade

The growing popularity of organic cocoa among sweet lovers is certainly due to the fact that it is produced under fair trade conditions. As already mentioned, its production is not only environmentally and animal friendly, but also people-friendly. It is a matter of great concern that more and more children are involved in cocoa production around the world, which is something that the fair trade system is trying to avoid.

• It provides good conditions for producers to enter the world market, protecting them from price fluctuations and also from crisis events such as crop failure due to bad weather.
• It also guarantees them fair pay that meets the basic needs of workers and their families.
• Because adequate pay enables parents to send their children to school, it also prevents child labour. Children are thus provided with optimal conditions for their growth and development.

Best of all, there are plenty of ways to use organic cocoa. Not only are organic chocolates popular among chocoholics, but the exceptionally rich taste of cocoa is also making them more and more inclined to use different spreads or to treat themselves to cocoa beans with different additives. In short, there is a wide range of organic cocoa products to choose from, so there is something for everyone.