We discovered the secrets of cocoa farming in Saint Lucia
We discovered the secrets of cocoa farming in Saint Lucia
Lucy Kane visited Hotel Chocolat’s amazing cocoa farm Project Chocolat
Saint Lucia has a rich abundance of flora and fauna where the cocoa bean grows, native to the tropical isle. There are three different types of cacao bean and the Caribbean island has some of the very finest in the world.
So, a visit to the Project Chocolat – Hotel Chocolat’s cocoa farm in the heart of Saint Lucia was high on my list. Project Chocolat is foodie heaven set on the Rabot Estate amongst six acres of native rainforest. You can enjoy a restaurant experience that tingles every chocolately taste bud, explore the shop offering everything chocolate from nibs to wine and sip on chocolate-based cocktails at the Cacao bar with stunning vistas over the rainforest.
The Rabot Estate sprawls over rolling countryside, where the coca beans grow naturally amongst other native plants. Nature is diverse here and you can immerse yourself in it to experience the nature of Saint Lucia. As you walk through the gardens of Project Chocolat, plants are labelled so you can identify different exotic species such as pineapple, coffee and the lesser-known Flamboyant tree. The pathway takes you into The Seederie where you can discover the heritage of the bean, see young seedlings and learn about the island’s growers programme that ensures the farmers are treated fairly and the planet kindly.
Take a walk from Project Chocolat and explore the rainforest where there are a great variety of species to wonder at. It’s something quite special seeing cocoa beans growing naturally. Over 90% of the world’s product is the robust Forastero bean, Griollo is the finest but almost extinct. The Trinitario trees on the Rabot estate are a hybrid of Grillo and Forastero, making this a very fine spot for making chocolate.
(Scroll to keep reading)
The contemporary white building of Project Chocolat is nestled in the rainforest creating a sublime cool sanctuary. You can choose from different experiences and tours, all of which will enhance your love of chocolate. And whilst you’re there, explore and relax to immerse yourself in the various rich chocolate experiences on offer. The ice cream was perhaps the most sensational I have ever tasted. Worth the journey to Saint Lucia for this alone!
I opted for the chocolate-making course to learn about the process from bean to bar. The course was informative and fun, held in an open-air room surrounded by rainforest. We learnt first-hand about the process of making chocolate, crushing cocoa nibs with a mortar and pestle until smooth and then adding sugar. The result was a perfectly formed bar of delicious chocolate.
The restaurant offers a fusion of Creole and cocoa-based dishes including delights like Cacao BBQ wings, White Chocolate Mash and Cacao Mac. Or head to the Cacao bar for a heady list of chocolate cocktails and cool tunes. Don’t leave before enjoying a chocolate cocktail whilst soaking up the views of the lush plantation valley. Try a Chocolate Martini, Salted Caramel Delight, Cacao Bellini, or even a Cacao Gin and Tonic.
A visit to Project Chocolat should be on every visitor’s itinerary, and there’s a host of Saint Lucia chocolate souvenirs to take home for friends and family.
Read Lucy’s review of St Lucia’s blissful Coconut Bay Beach Resort here
