Cacao

Cacao trees in the shadow of the Pitons – plantations around Soufrière produce beans for prized single-estate chocolates.

A small tree of the mallow family growing 6–8 m tall in the shade of taller trees. Its small flowers and fruits grow directly from the trunk and thick branches. The elongated, ribbed pods contain dozens of seeds surrounded by sweetish pulp, which become cocoa beans after fermentation and drying. The species comes from the Amazon basin and grows best in warm, humid valleys with fertile soil.

Significance in the country

On the volcanic soils around Soufrière there are cocoa estates dating back to the 18th century, including Fond Doux and Rabot; their beans go into premium chocolates, and “cocoa tea” – a drink of grated cocoa with spices – is a traditional Saint Lucian breakfast.

Where it grows

Above all in the valleys around Soufrière and at the foot of the Pitons, as well as in the quarters of Anse la Raye and Choiseul and in the valleys of Castries.

More: Wikipedia (en) Wikipedia (pl)