The History Elaborate old estates (like Stollmeyer's Castle, pictured) were built on Trinidad's world-class cocoa, most of which goes to Europe. Traveling abroad is about the only way for Trinidadians to taste the island's chocolate for themselves. Where to buy Trinidad's Chocolate » Back to More than Chocolate » | Jen Judge
By
Islands Staff
Feb. 9, 2012
For many Trinidadians, cocoa means much more than chocolate: it's the island's history, and a way of life.
These photographs illustrate Ramin Ganeshram's article _ More than Chocolate ._
The Legacy Growing the world-famous cocoa is the resolve of a select number of family farmers, and also of scientists who have developed hybrids with flavors and aromas known only to these fields. Pictured: Kamaldeo Majarah, Ministry of Agriculture Cocoa Unit. Where to buy Trinidad's Chocolate " Back to More than Chocolate "
The Farmers Only a few Trinidadian cocoa farmers were able to carve a fortune from their labor, leading to a workforce decline. But islanders like Jude Lee Sam (pictured) believe the brown gold will return to its former glory. Where to buy Trinidad's Chocolate " Back to More than Chocolate "
The Artisans Gina Sonia Hardy, Proprietor of Gina's Truffles, is one of few artisan chocolatiers who live and work on the island. A box of her chocolates was given to President Obama when he visited Trinidad in 2009. Where to buy Trinidad's Chocolate " Back to More than Chocolate "
The Finished Chocolate Gina's chocolates can be ordered online at Modern Equator or purchased locally at Malabar Gourmet Shop and Stechers in Trinidad. Where to buy Trinidad's Chocolate " Back to More than Chocolate "
Fresh-Picked Cocoa The inside of a freshly harvested cocoa pod. Where to buy Trinidad's Chocolate " Back to More than Chocolate "
Chocolate in Trinidad Norris Henry holding dried cocoa beans at the San Juan Estates. Where to buy Trinidad's Chocolate " Back to More than Chocolate "
The Chemistry Naailah Ali, technical assistant at the Cocoa Research Unit. Where to buy Trinidad's Chocolate " Back to More than Chocolate "
The Workers Bharat Singh, Cocoa Fieldmanager harvesting cocoa pods, Ministry of Agriculture Cocoa Unit. Where to buy Trinidad's Chocolate " Back to More than Chocolate "
The Process Workers removing the pulpy flesh from the hard outer casing of a cocoa pod by hand. Where to buy Trinidad's Chocolate " Back to More than Chocolate "
