Mapping Cacao's Flavor

an interactive tasting tour 

Just like with wine, the unique flavor notes found in chocolate depend on its country of origin. The taste of a cacao bean, like a wine grape, depends on the soil, growing conditions and type of plant from a particular place. Local harvesting and fermentation practices also affect flavor.

Cacao is not an easy plant to grow. It requires a hot, rainy climate and will only bear fruit in countries within 20 degrees of the equator. Though it needs warm temperatures to thrive, it must be shielded from direct sun, and grows best under the shade of taller trees.

Roll over and click the highlighted countries on the map below to see regional flavor notes and learn more about area cacao production.

click map to get started