Forum Activity for @Tom Bauweraerts

Tom Bauweraerts
@Tom Bauweraerts
06/14/12 02:34:38
23 posts

Selmi One & Injection Plate?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Dear All, sorry for my late in the reply, I unfortunately do not have the time to follow this great initiative of Clay every day.

Thanks for loving the Selmi machines... We are happy to build the equipment for the professionals and with new machinery and new innovations all the time we try to make a difference.

About the Selmi One you will see that the tank is rather small. Physically it is possible to put the dosing head on the Selmi One, we have several customers that do this, but the outside nozzles will drip in the corners of the vibrating table, which is not really a problem.

The only real problem is when you want to make shells and turn the mould around to let the excess of chocolate drip out of the mould, because then the chocolate from the dosing head will drip on the back of the mould because there is not enough space. It is not an option to push the pedal to stop the flow of chocolate so long, because inside the machine there is a tempering screw with around the screw cold water that turn for the tempering. If you push your pedal too long, the chocolate in the screw stops and the cold water will cool the chocoalte too much and your nozzle will block. It is also a fact that everytime you push the pedal of the machine you reduce the tempering capacity of the machine because in this way in fact you stop the tempering because for the tempering you need a flow...

For this reason we have on our bigger machines special valves. We are now introducing with Tomric the special 3 way valve with long nozzle to be able to fill spinning moulds and to dose 100% correctly. The standard machines have a dosing system, but we have to be clear that this machine is a tempering machine and not a dosing machine, so it's not 100% accurate... in fact it is but the more chocolate you use from your tank, the less pressure on the chocolate so the weight can differ during the work. With the 3 way valve this problem is solved.

Anyway, now I'm giving probably too much information, you know where to find me if you need anything.

I enclose a picture of the machinery that are ready to be shipped tomorrow in our factory, weekly pick up date of the machinery is on Friday [ Moderator Note: Photo deleted because a photo of boxes of equipment ready to ship is not relevant to the discussion. ]

All the best regards

Tom

Brent Peters
@Brent Peters
01/01/12 20:21:14
7 posts

Selmi One & Injection Plate?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Yes, the clearance does make sense. Thanks for the replies! Love the Selmi too, may be time to add a bigger one.

David Peterson
@David Peterson
12/30/11 10:09:43
14 posts

Selmi One & Injection Plate?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I have a Selmi One and love it as an entry-level continuous automated tempering machine. The plate is physically larger than the tank so any excess will not make it back into the machine. Our nextunit will be a Selmi Plus EX and we will use the Selmi One for our lesser used chocolates. Hope this helps.

Clay Gordon
@Clay Gordon
12/23/11 09:49:13
1,688 posts

Selmi One & Injection Plate?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

The way it was explained to me (by people associated with Tomric, Selmi's distributor here in the US) is that there's not enough clearance (back to front and left to right) to fit the standard dosing plates. I can't see any real technical reason why it shouldn't work - but there might also be issues with the amount of pressure generated by the pump and auger (it might be insufficient to push the chocolate through the dosing plates). Personally, I think it's more likely a marketing decision.

I know the export manager from Selmi is a ChocolateLife member, so perhaps Tom can provide a more precise answer to this question.

Brent Peters
@Brent Peters
12/23/11 07:24:03
7 posts

Selmi One & Injection Plate?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Looking at the Selmi one and the Plus and on up, there appear to be no differences in connection where the injection plate would mount for filling molds. In fact, we have a reducer attached to help with flow issues. There are even 2 sets of receptacles on the back to plug in the warmer. So, why will an injection plate not work for this model? Anyone tried it? Had one made?


updated by @Brent Peters: 04/11/25 09:27:36
Jim3
@Jim3
12/24/11 15:22:16
1 posts

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays From Brad!


Posted in: Opinion

Merry Christmas Brad,Thanks for your generosity in sharing your knowledge about the chocolate industry.I have learned a great deal in the short time I've been a member of this forum.Jim
Magrietha Hendrika du Plessis
@Magrietha Hendrika du Plessis
12/24/11 03:12:04
83 posts

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays From Brad!


Posted in: Opinion

Thanks Brad, merry Christmas to you as well. AND you have helped me a lot, even in the posts you were grilled your knowledge helped me on my way as the internet is the only place where can learn this craft.

Tom
@Tom
12/23/11 14:44:17
205 posts

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays From Brad!


Posted in: Opinion

Merry Christmas, there have been some intersting discussions over the years, also a lot of learning.
Omar Forastero
@Omar Forastero
12/23/11 06:05:00
86 posts

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays From Brad!


Posted in: Opinion

Thank you Brad and Happy holidays to you too!

Brad Churchill
@Brad Churchill
12/22/11 21:03:19
527 posts

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays From Brad!


Posted in: Opinion

Hi Everyone;

Having been on and off this forum for a few years now, and been roasted, ridiculed, and revered (mostly roasted and ridiculed! haha), I just wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

I hope that my contributions to this group, while sometimes not as eloquent as others would write, have helped you, as much as your posts (and flames) have also helped me become better at this craft.

Cheers, and Merry Christmas!

Brad Churchill

Choklat

www.SoChoklat.com


updated by @Brad Churchill: 05/13/15 06:22:31
Stu Jordan
@Stu Jordan
12/25/11 18:25:57
37 posts

What is the best flooring for a Chocolate Factory?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

We are in the process of converting an industrial building into a chocolate factory. Flooring in NZ for food premises is fairly strict. I have been considering an epoxy resin to go over the concrete floor. Still waiting on quotes for vinyl to compare but epoxy resin would be suitable for us regardless.Let us know what you decideStu
Sebastian
@Sebastian
12/22/11 04:59:35
754 posts

What is the best flooring for a Chocolate Factory?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Depends a bit on your factory, i suppose. Generally speaking I like acid brick for floors and dairy tile for walls. It's very easy to clean, can support a lot of pressure if you've got heavy equipment, and is pretty durable should you drop something on it.

Al Garnsworthy
@Al Garnsworthy
12/21/11 14:24:19
22 posts

What is the best flooring for a Chocolate Factory?


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

We are currently looking to replace the flooring in our factory - now the question I have, is what is the best flooring for a chocolate factory?

Tiles? Vinyl?

Any advice on what is durable, and is easy to keep clean would be much appreciated.


updated by @Al Garnsworthy: 04/11/25 09:27:36
Jay(Jangwoo) Lee
@Jay(Jangwoo) Lee
03/17/13 21:46:42
1 posts

Direct Source for 100% Arriba Nacional Cacao (OG)- Ecuador


Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

I just tried a chocolate made from Arriba Nacional Cacao. The flavor was floral,honey,wine and the aftertaste was amazing. Jay in Seoul
Nathaniel Sol Finkelstein
@Nathaniel Sol Finkelstein
09/26/12 18:52:32
3 posts

Direct Source for 100% Arriba Nacional Cacao (OG)- Ecuador


Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Please send all emails to "thechocolateyogi@gmail.com" or try Nathaniel@cacaoyogi.com :)

beth campbell
@beth campbell
09/25/12 13:50:04
40 posts

Direct Source for 100% Arriba Nacional Cacao (OG)- Ecuador


Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

your email is not working> I tried and it was returned, left a message maybe you can write me at beliciousbeth@gmail.com? I am interested in powder paste,and butter, raw and roasted. thanks, Beth

Richard Foley
@Richard Foley
01/03/12 18:54:59
48 posts

Direct Source for 100% Arriba Nacional Cacao (OG)- Ecuador


Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

I need 500 lbs in the next few weeks, what can you do for me, please quote, send info on farmer, pictures, etc. rafoley@qzina.com

Richard Foley
@Richard Foley
12/24/11 16:59:21
48 posts

Direct Source for 100% Arriba Nacional Cacao (OG)- Ecuador


Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

I just opened the Qzina Institute in Irvine, and am looking for a few hundred lbs to begin my testing. My goal is to have ten unique cacao origins, where we can track the beans right back to the farm. We have processing equipment to make 20 lb batches and are teaching chefs and Chocolatiers the full bean to bar production experience.Please send me info, specs, and pricing to rafoley@Qzina.com.Students and professionals will spend two days learning chocolate production in our facility.
antonino allegra
@antonino allegra
12/20/11 13:50:41
143 posts

Direct Source for 100% Arriba Nacional Cacao (OG)- Ecuador


Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Dear Nathaniel,

could you send me an email to antonino@cocoafair.com and we can discuss quantities, delivery time and prices?

Nathaniel Sol Finkelstein
@Nathaniel Sol Finkelstein
12/20/11 13:06:47
3 posts

Direct Source for 100% Arriba Nacional Cacao (OG)- Ecuador


Posted in: News & New Product Press (Read-Only)

Greetings Chocolate connoisseurs,

Just letting you all know that I am a direct source for (certified organic) 100% Arriba Nacional Cacao sourced from these the pristine high elevations of these regions: Country of Origin: Ecuador (Vinces, Manabi, Esmeraldas). Grown in high elevations and irrigated by all natural springs, glacier melt waters, and natural rain fall, these trees span from 30-80+ years old. Grown in these highly mineralized volcanic soils, we bring our cacao (pods) down by donkey back from the mountains to small collection centers then transport to process in our facility near Guayaquil. We have the following cacao products :

Cacao Beans, Peeled Beans, Butter, Nibs, Paste and Powder.

The cacao is gently washed with a mild ozone treatment to eliminate any negative bacteria, fungus, coliforms, etc. The first stage is the beans - they are fermented for around 3 days to bring out the natural, rich and complex flavor and then a portion are hand peeled when "wet." The remaining are then sun dried. After they are sun dried a portion is offered in their whole form with peel and then the remaining go to be winnowed or crushed/peeled to generate the nib form of cacao (the outer skins are blown off after winnowing). From the nib they are then stone ground to generate the paste which is then poured into moulds and then solidified. While still in a ground state the cacao is then pressed for the cacao mass and oil. The oil is portioned out and solidified for the cacao butter. The remaining is cacao mass that is milled into cacao powder. There is temperature monitoring at all states of the processing to ensure its Raw state. All of the cacao is certified organic and certified Kosher by Earth Kosher.

We do offer lightly roasted selections for certain situations as well.

As you all know, true Arriba Nacional is Ecuador's pride and joy heritage, heirloom variety in which the recent "infestation" of CCN-51 and other hybridized varieties has been making it in the cut for most if not all of the cacao exported from Ecuador on larger scale operations no matter what the claims may be. The demand for Arriba Nacional helps preserve Ecuador's heritige otherwise getting drowned out by CCN-51's mass production style farming operations that threaten the highest quality, best tasting cacao on the planet. This not even mentioning the use detrimental farming techniques not doing anyone a favor (except the $$ makers) including the land itself to the end user. (Sacrificing quality for quantity in this game)

FYI: CCN-51 are trees grown usually in open sun and mono cropped with no thriving ecosystem surrounding them akin to traditional shade jungle grown cacao (like our Arriba Nacional- full thriving eco-systems in wild) CCN-51 is grown because you can get a higher price for this varieties higher oil content and is a high yielding plant. This originally geared towards the cosmetics industry is now exported as Ecuadorian cacao used in many finished chocolate products, unless you are getting it from us- the only exporter from Ecuador with True Arriba Nacional.

Your dollars demanding this variety helps local people earn wages far beyond the normal pay rates out there, for we have our own "sense certification" process that ensures we pay our workers wages far exceeding normal jobs they would have there. We feel it is integral for our end product that everyone along the way is completely taken care of for the success of our company and desire to preserve and make accessible the variety (Arriba Nacional) that chocolate enthusiasts have sought after for years ever since it was discovered by the first European chocolate makers that found Arriba's flavor profile to be top in the world.

Our trees are essentially wild, and are *certified organic* and we source our cacao to reach our high standards *by the pod* to ensure we truly have Arriba Nacional. NO aggregate sourcing chucking CCN-51 in our mix and passing it under another name. We have true Arriba Nacional, and that is 100% guaranteed by only accepting pods, and not beans which are difficult to truly judge by looks alone, whereas the pods are clean indicators of the variety.

Our warehouse is in Oakland, CA so if your in North America it is very easy to connect you. If in other areas of the world, we can likely ship it directly from Ecuador with special arrangements.

Contact Ordering Info:

Nathaniel-direct: 925-395-4933 or email at: thechocolateyogi@gmail.com

To receive more information regarding the products I am offering. I am capable of doing all types of quantities from 100lbs of beans, paste, butter, or powder to orders exceeding 1-ton at a time or more. Let me know what your needs are and I will take care of you. :)


updated by @Nathaniel Sol Finkelstein: 12/13/24 12:16:07
Magrietha Hendrika du Plessis
@Magrietha Hendrika du Plessis
12/20/11 05:20:39
83 posts

Floppy Ganash A Recipe Please


Posted in: Recipes

Thanks Davy. I think using it in a filling is the best idea. Here is the recipe I used to make the 50ml of gluhwein I needed.

50ml dry red wine, I used a good cabernet

t cinnamon

t cloves

all spice

1 orange rind

1 slice of lemon

Davy Asnong
@Davy Asnong
12/20/11 04:14:36
19 posts

Floppy Ganash A Recipe Please


Posted in: Recipes

Why don't you make a cake or something and use this chocolate as topping, or use it in a cream ganache between the layers of the cake?

What recipe did you use? I love gluhwein, so I believe you as you say it a great taste :)

Magrietha Hendrika du Plessis
@Magrietha Hendrika du Plessis
12/20/11 03:26:15
83 posts

Floppy Ganash A Recipe Please


Posted in: Recipes

Hi, I was making someGlhwein truffles using Glhwein I made myself. Sadly it was one of my total disasters. I drained the fat off and stored the remaining glob of chocolate in the fridge. Today I thought I will grate it and use it to make something for ourselves. It turned out exceptionally tasty when I grated it. Now I sit will all the lovely grated chocolate that I do not want to waste by using it as chocolate chips, it's just too tasty you all the lovely Christmas tastes coming through and it is smooth, not at all grainy.

So, any ideas what I can do with it. I thought of the possibility of using it in a cassata-like ice cream. Any better ideas? It sitting there in my fridge and I do not want it to go to waste.


updated by @Magrietha Hendrika du Plessis: 04/10/15 16:42:56
Clay Gordon
@Clay Gordon
12/21/11 13:10:46
1,688 posts

Suggestions needed for spent raw cacao nibs


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Brian - I think this is a really excellent idea and a way to incorporate the cocoa-infused vodka in the same beverage! Not a Black Russian ... what might a good name be?

brian horsley
@brian horsley
12/20/11 20:26:35
48 posts

Suggestions needed for spent raw cacao nibs


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

mildly alcoholic cacao smoothie? could be nice for the beach (its summer here). muddle the nibs with mint for a mint chip martini? add them to any kahlua or baileys based drink?

these are all wild guesses obviously.

whats your process for the cacao/vodka, just soak them in there? how long? what temp? i love vodka and have lots of cacao, i might start my vodka as soon as tomorrow.

brian

Clay Gordon
@Clay Gordon
12/20/11 11:56:54
1,688 posts

Suggestions needed for spent raw cacao nibs


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I've been thinking about this, too, and playing around with grinding them up to a very fine, smooth, paste (they're pretty soft) and adding them cake/brownie batter. I haven't made any in a while - but it's on my list for something to do the next time I make a batch.

Mark Rogers
@Mark Rogers
12/19/11 08:37:45
1 posts

Suggestions needed for spent raw cacao nibs


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

I've just made some chocolate vodka, soaking raw cacao in vodka for a week or so. The result is a rather nice, light brown, unsweetened chocolate flavoured vodka, and a pile of less chocolate-y than before raw cacao, tasting distinctly of alcohol.I know what to do with the vodka, but has anyone any suggestions for the cacao?Incidentally, this experiment was prompted after making 7.5 litres of quince gin (and the only use for the leftover quince was to throw it away).Mark
updated by @Mark Rogers: 04/11/25 09:27:36
Ancel Mitchell
@Ancel Mitchell
12/26/11 10:51:51
6 posts

Sleeping near Cacao Trees


Posted in: Travels & Adventures

We live on an old cacao plantation, so pretty much if I'm home then I'm within 100 feet of cacao trees. See the pods from almost every room of the house :) and the squirrels that eat them. And the boas that eat the squirrels.
Steven L Watson
@Steven L Watson
12/23/11 07:04:19
4 posts

Sleeping near Cacao Trees


Posted in: Travels & Adventures

For the lat several days I have lived among the cacao tress along with the Monos in Ecuadorian Amazon.
Sebastian
@Sebastian
12/22/11 06:00:51
754 posts

Sleeping near Cacao Trees


Posted in: Travels & Adventures

grow them all the time here - keep it in a bright (indirect sunlight seems to work the best), very warm (85+ F), very humid place. Unfortunately, where I live, there's winter, and the only place in the house that meets those requirements is the bathroom usually. Water every 2-3 days (watering frequency/amount is the trickiest part for me, as it's very easy to overwater). In the summers, the trees thrive outside, but watch the night time drops in temperature. Japanese beetles also see cocoa as a special treat.

If you manage to keep it alive for a few years, you can hand pollinate. The largest one i've managed to eek out has been about 6' tall (and i've got a very, very black thumb..)

antonino allegra
@antonino allegra
12/22/11 05:40:00
143 posts

Sleeping near Cacao Trees


Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Growing a Cocoa tree indoor seems quite a cool thing to do, does any one have any link/direction on "how to grow a cocoa tree at home"? ... Thanks

NIno

Clay Gordon
@Clay Gordon
12/20/11 11:47:46
1,688 posts

Sleeping near Cacao Trees


Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Davy:

If you can grow cacao in New York City, you can grow it in Belgium. Indoors, under a daylight grow lamp (12 hours/day, regular cycles). You will probably want to start out on top of a heating mat, too. This will keep the tree warm and if you put a tray on top of the mat and put water in the tray the warmthwill help keep the moisture level up, too.

One reason you won't get pods is no pollinating insects, not just climate. I have seen pods on the trees at the NY Botanical gardens - never more than one or two. But they keep the ground under the tree completely clean of leaf litter and don't like many kinds of insect in the greenhouses, so no pollinators.

Davy Asnong
@Davy Asnong
12/20/11 04:39:26
19 posts

Sleeping near Cacao Trees


Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Where do you live?

I know you'll need a good climate for producing the pods, but the tree on its own, any chanse it will grow in Belgium? :)

Thomas Forbes
@Thomas Forbes
12/17/11 10:48:36
102 posts

Sleeping near Cacao Trees


Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Great idea. I will try that.

Potomac Chocolate
@Potomac Chocolate
12/17/11 09:45:17
191 posts

Sleeping near Cacao Trees


Posted in: Travels & Adventures

I've got a couple potted cacao trees on my kitchen table. I guess I could move them into my bedroom, but I don't think that's what you're going for. :)

Thomas Forbes
@Thomas Forbes
12/16/11 21:00:03
102 posts

Sleeping near Cacao Trees


Posted in: Travels & Adventures

I like that

Sebastian
@Sebastian
12/16/11 20:25:40
754 posts

Sleeping near Cacao Trees


Posted in: Travels & Adventures

how about 1m from a cocoa tree 8-)

Thomas Forbes
@Thomas Forbes
12/16/11 19:58:56
102 posts

Sleeping near Cacao Trees


Posted in: Travels & Adventures

I was just thinking about life in the campo. Just wondering how many of us have slept within a 100m from a cacao tree? I am getting pretty close to 1000 days. How about you?


updated by @Thomas Forbes: 04/10/15 18:47:27
Matt C
@Matt C
12/15/11 19:25:09
2 posts

To temper or not to temper


Posted in: Tech Help, Tips, Tricks, Techniques

Hi everyone,

I'm new to chocolate makingso forgive my ignorance on the subject. I'm trying to learn the sciencebehind tempering, beta crystal formation, temperatures, seed chocolate, etc.

I'm in the process of buying a continuous tempering machine but I've found a few sites that state you can avoid re-tempering chocolatesince most chocolateis alreadytempered and as long as you don't exceed 90 F and melt slowly you can maintainthe original temper.

I'm planning on doing quite a bit of molding and I am curious if this is a viable option with a temperature controlled melter.I assume it's not thiseasybut tempering machines are quite expensive so I thought I'd askbefore purchasing.

Thanksin advancefor any assistance/advice.


updated by @Matt C: 04/11/25 09:27:36
Sebastian
@Sebastian
12/17/11 04:02:55
754 posts

West African cocoa and Gourmet chocolate


Posted in: Opinion

Scarcity and uniqueness can also drive premiums. There are plenty of absolutely wonderful fine flavor cocoas out there that have amazing flavor profiles that people would (and do) pay premiums for. One of the Asian submissions this year to the aforementioned competition tasted like caramalized pears - now, i've been in cocoa for a long time, and this is the first time I've seen a cocoa that tasted like that. It's one of the reasons I've stayed in it, no matter how much one knows, it seems in cocoa there's always something new to experience and learn!

Most regions are heterozygous collections of multiple clonal varieties to begin with, primarily a function of their disease resistance, productivity, or just dumb blind happenstance with not much thought given to why that particular tree was planted. There are many, many clones to choose from, and numerous ways to approach planting materials - you can plant a new tree, you can side graft, you can shoot graft, etc. Your planting material absolutely, unequivocally influences the flavors you can get from your cocoa. Where it's grown and the agronomics at play also can have a huge impact on your flavors (soil nutrition, composition, elevation, climactics, etc). As I'm sure you're aware, by altering the fermentation and drying conditions, you can get a 100 different flavors from the same beans, so obviously there's much that can be done here as well.

Oftentimes, cocoa buyers are buying from 4000 miles away, and may rarely have 'boots on the ground' to know exactly what's occurring, regardless of what they think they're buying and what they think is happening 8-) Hence I'm guessing why you reference your experience in Papua. There are lots of reasons a corporation may have for identifying specific locations, of which flavor may be only one element.

Interestingly, on the wine - I enjoy wine. I'd say given my work in chocolate, my taster is a bit more developed than your average person. Last year, I had the experience of having a $25,000 bottle of wine. Now, it was good, to be sure, but I'm not sure it was that much better than a $50 bottle - I've had some pretty darn good $50 bottles. It could be that for me, in wine, my taster isn't sufficiently developed to appreciate that level of sophistication; if that's the case, the wine is $24,950 too expensive for me - there may be those out there who experience the same wine very, very differently than i do, and appreciate it much more - for them, the price may be justified. I find that to be the case for me with cocoa quite often - i 'see' things in cocoa that others simply don't pick up on, just because I've been doing it for so long and I'm so familiar with it. Generally speaking, those cocoa's that I love the most, I find that the general population has very little interest in, as they're too different from what they've come to expect as 'chocolate' as defined by their mainstream experiences.

However, it could also be that the wine's really meant to be a $50 bottle, and what we're seeing here is the power of marketing. Either way, the fact someone bought it reflects there's a value proposition there, be it on the merits of the intrinsic properties of the wine (it's flavor), or the extrinsics (marketing panache)

Alan
@Alan
12/17/11 01:55:33
3 posts

West African cocoa and Gourmet chocolate


Posted in: Opinion

Thank you so much for this.

I don't think there is a danger of mainstream mild WA cocoas being lost to flavour. Take out Cameroon and the minor producers and we have basically CI, Ghana and Nigeria and 60% of world production. If that became flavour it would then be bulk flavour and consequently too mainstream to be unique. The bulk boys could not/would not pay a premium for such big quantities! (They might charge for a resulting product but certainly would not pay!!)

I agree on Gourmet. For me it is a tag people give themselves for their own ego trips and to prove they are "superior" to mere mortals like me with disturbingly underdeveloped taste buds and a dastardly poor knowledge of the 'finer' aspects of life, or, they give to their products to charge inflated prices. (I have a similar opinion of wine and wine connoisseurs who are really tripping most of the time.)

However, would you say that where planting materials, post harvest practices, etc are givens in that the trees are where they are in a given soil with a given climate (albeit variable season on season) and customary fermenting and drying systems, that a (unique) flavour can more usually be developed during the roasting? Is this the only time during processing?

I recall from PNG when I lived there that Rowntree went great lengths to identify and approve particular plantations and would buy by "plantation mark" only. (The fact that we used to buy in from other plantations to increase our supplies to them is purely incidental!!) However, my point is, would it be necessary to go to these lengths to identify good sources of WA flavour cocoa sources?

Are there other fora around the world where cocoas compete for the same kudos?

No new glasses required - you changed it to 14!!

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