100% Peru Chuncho Ceremonial Cacao Block

This cacao is truly special. With nothing else added, it’s got the robust flavour profile that’s direct from the cacao bean, only amplified by our roasting and grinding methods. It leaves you with something that is a true testament to the ethical growing and sourcing of our cacao.

Chuncho cacao, grown in Peru’s Sacred Valley near Cusco and Machu Picchu, is famous for the richness and complexity of its flavours and aromas. It is generally characterised by a sweet, fruity and floral pulp, accompanied by a slight bitterness. As of 2023, researchers have identified it as a distinct genetic group and found ten different types of Chuncho cacao. The diverse genetic variation encompasses the genes of all other varieties of cacao, making researchers believe it could be the ‘mother’ of all fine cacao.

The unique distinction of Chuncho cacao is undoubtedly the result of a long process of domestication carried out by indigenous groups, today represented as the Machiguenga. During the Inca Empire and the colonial era, the Machiguenga consumed the pulp of the fruit, but also used the pods as currency. In addition to the cultural imprint of civilisations, the soil in which Chuncho cacao is grown also gives this product its exceptional quality.

Chuncho beans are much smaller than other varieties. To stay warm during colder rainforest nights they develop an extra layer of cocoa butter fat which makes this ritual cacao that bit more aromatic. You’ll find delicious notes of white flowers and stone fruits in this cup.

This is truly a gift from the earth.

Our cacao blocks come in a beautiful block-printed Radek’s Chocolate drawstring bag, sourced by Radek himself on his most recent trip to India.

Net 340g

Ingredients

Cocoa Beans*

*Organically & Ethically Sourced. Allergens in bold. May contain traces of nuts. Made in an environment containing nuts & gluten.

Nutritional Facts: per 100g: Energy 2686kJ (642kcal), Fat 50g of which: saturates 32g, Carbohydrates 2g of which sugars 0g, Protein 14g, Salt 0.00g