Celebrating International Chocolate Day
Yes, there are many days of the year devoted to chocolate and cacao. September 13th happens to be one of my favourites, as that is the day we celebrate International Chocolate Day.
Attending chocolate events such as the World Cocoa and Chocolate Day Expo in Trinidad and Tobago is a tremendous way to immerse yourself in the world of artisanal chocolate and cacao
International chocolate is always high atop my mind, but it is great to keep locally produced chocolate in mind whenever and wherever you travel. The excitement rose as I prepared for a trip to Trinidad to serve as a judge at the 8th annual Trinidad Tobago World Cocoa and Chocolate Day Expo and Inbound Trade Mission at the Hyatt Recency Trinidad, in October, 2019, with an exciting itinerary that included a chocolate demo and sampling event, the opportunity to taste savoury culinary creations in the Chocolate Cuisine event, and an exotic series of taste sensations at the Rum and Chocolate tasting event. Following the two days of tastings and fun, I had the opportunity to participate in some Agro Tourism Tours to cocoa farms and a visit to the International Cocoa Genebank Trinidad, the largest and most diverse cacao collection in the public domain.
This is exciting for me, as Trinidad is the birthplace of the Trinitario varietal of cacao, a hybrid of the Forastero and Criollo cacao varietals. Many chocolate makers including Original Beans use Trinitario beans to make their delicious chocolate as the quality and flavour are excellent, and the price more affordable than the highly coveted Criollo beans.
If you are interested in learning more about the 2019 World Cocoa and Chocolate Day expo in Trinidad, please visit this link. And if you can’t make it there yourself this year, please stay tuned to this blog, as I’ll cover the various aspects of my trip in posts to come.
Comment: International Chocolate Day sounds like a delicious celebration! It’s fascinating to learn about the diverse origins of chocolate and the unique events surrounding it.
Question: What makes the Trinitario varietal of cacao significant, and how does it contribute to the flavor profile of chocolates made from it?
Thanks for this question. Trintario is a terrific varietal of cacao as it is a hybrid blend of Forestero (the cheaper varietal of cacao used in making bulk chocolate) and Criollo (the elite varietal used in the creation of artisanal chocolate.) It is cheaper and more disease resistant than Criollo and it is more flavourful than Forestero.
How fascinating! I hope you meet the Philippine Consul General to Trinidad & Tobago Honorable Marie Magno-Advani. Ask her about chocolate made in the Philippines! She was my co-scholar at the International School of Manila.
Very cool, Carol! I will keep my eye out for the Honorable Marie Magno-Advani. Perhaps she will come to the chocolate expo! I would surely love to visit the Philippines and investigate chocolate and cacao there. 🙂
Have a wonderful time in Trinidad. I look forward to hearing about that trip! I missed getting special chocolate on the 13th, so I’ll have to indulge! I always like reading about the intricacies of chocolate making–like how different countries can be involved in one!
Indeed, RoseMary. Chocolate and cocoa culture are truly from one country to another. They each have their own flavour (literally as well as figuratively.) I can’t wait to get back to Trinidad and learn about their world of chocolate and cacao.
How wonderful to be in Trinidad for this festival! Learning about chocolate is fascinating. I can’t wait to hear about your adventures.
Thanks, Elaine. We are so fortunate to be able to travel the world and follow our passions. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do for a living. 🙂
How exciting. Trinidad. I heard it’s a very beautiful place to visit. I hope you enjoy your venture.
Thanks so much, Janet. I’m truly looking forward to attending the event and having the opportunity to stay at the amazing waterfront Hyatt Regency Hotel. I know it will be incredible. 🙂
Well, though I wasn’t aware it was International Chocolate Day, I think I did indulge in some delicious chocolate from Seattle that day. Have fun in Trinidad!
Thanks for stopping by, Carole. Yes, Seattle is making some great chocolate! I am indeed looking forward to my return trip to Trinidad and participating in the World Chocolate and Cocoa Expo and celebrations. #WCCD8
Doreen, sometimes I am so jealous of your chocolate tourism! I’d love to go to Trinidad and Tobago someday, and I love to try local chocolate pretty much everywhere!
Rachel, I feel very fortunate to follow my dreams and travel the world in honour of chocolate and cacao. I am so grateful for the groups and tourism boards that value what I bring to their destination by bringing me in for a visit or to participate in their events. May the journey never end! 🙂
Looking forward to your article and pics! Enjoy!
Thanks, Pat. Trinidad is an amazing country with lots to see. I’m glad I’ll have some time after the chocolate expo to take some road trips and see some sights. Stay tuned! 🙂
I wish to thank you for another informative blog. I hope you have a wonderful time in Trinidad.
Thanks so much, Bev. I’m really looking forward to learning the team at the Cocoa Research Center of the Caribbean. They are a wealth of knowledge!