2022 March

Our 2022 March release features a 48 piece gift box filled with a new version of our 70% Dark 2020 Maui Harvest that was created through inoculated yeast fermentation. Fermentation is critical to produce chocolate with a rich cocoa flavor but is also what imparts complex fruity flavors and floral aromas to fine chocolate.  Ordinarily, the microorganisms that are responsible for fermentation are wild, and they are introduced through manual contact during harvesting and breaking of the fruits but also come from the overall local environment. we decided to explore using some experimental yeast strains that are not introduced to be the primary driver of fermentation but have the ability to develop new possibilities for flavor and aroma. In this case, the complimentary yeast culture is known as Pichia kluyveri. It was found naturally in New Zealand grape juice and is used by some winemakers to boost fruit flavors.