Cocoa La Universal

Cocoa La Universal

The Quintessential Ecuadorian Cocoa

Cocoa La Universal is a prestigious brand synonymous with high-quality cocoa products, hailing from Ecuador. With a legacy spanning decades, La Universal is renowned for its commitment to excellence and tradition, offering a wide range of cocoa-based products that capture the rich, authentic flavors of Ecuadorian cacao.

Ingredients:

• Premium Ecuadorian Cacao: The cornerstone of La Universal’s products, sourced from the finest cacao-growing regions in Ecuador.

• Pure Cane Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the natural bitterness of cacao.

• Natural Vanilla: Enhances the flavor profile with subtle aromatic notes.

• Cocoa Butter: Provides a smooth, creamy texture and enhances the rich chocolate flavor.

• Milk Powder (for milk chocolate products): Adds a creamy richness to the chocolate.

• Lecithin: Acts as an emulsifier to maintain a consistent texture.

Flavor Profile:

Cocoa La Universal is celebrated for its rich, complex flavor:

• Intense Chocolate Notes: Deep, robust chocolate flavor that is both bold and refined.

• Fruity Undertones: Subtle hints of red berries and tropical fruits, characteristic of Ecuadorian cacao.

• Nutty Accents: Gentle notes of nuts, adding to the complexity.

• Creamy Texture: Smooth and velvety, providing a luxurious mouthfeel.

Product Range:

La Universal offers a diverse array of cocoa products to suit various preferences and uses:

• Dark Chocolate Bars: Available in varying cacao percentages (60% to 85%), highlighting the pure, intense flavor of Ecuadorian cacao.

• Milk Chocolate Bars: Creamy and smooth, with a balanced sweetness, typically featuring 30% to 50% cacao.

• Flavored Chocolate Bars: Infused with local ingredients like coffee, chili, tropical fruits, and nuts, offering unique flavor combinations.

• Cocoa Powder: Versatile and perfect for baking, cooking, or making hot chocolate.

• Chocolate Chips and Chunks: Ideal for baking cookies, cakes, and other desserts.

• Hot Cocoa Mixes: Ready-to-use mixes for making rich, comforting hot chocolate beverages.

• Chocolate Coatings: Perfect for enrobing candies, fruits, and pastries.

Production Process:

1. Harvesting: High-quality cacao beans are hand-picked at peak ripeness.

2. Fermentation: Beans are fermented in wooden boxes, enhancing their flavor complexity.

3. Drying: Sun-drying the beans preserves their quality and enhances their natural flavors.

4. Roasting: Carefully controlled roasting unlocks the beans’ full flavor potential.

5. Grinding: Roasted beans are ground into cocoa mass, a fine paste.

6. Conching: The cocoa mass is refined and aerated, developing a smooth texture and rich flavor.

7. Tempering: The chocolate is carefully cooled and reheated to ensure a glossy finish and satisfying snap.

8. Molding and Packaging: The finished chocolate is molded into bars or other shapes and packaged to maintain freshness and quality.

Cultural Significance:

Cocoa La Universal is deeply rooted in Ecuadorian culture and history. The brand honors Ecuador’s rich cacao heritage, blending traditional methods with modern techniques to produce chocolate that is both nostalgic and innovative. La Universal’s products are a testament to Ecuador’s status as one of the world’s leading cacao producers.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices:

La Universal is committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing. The brand works closely with local farmers to ensure fair trade practices, supports eco-friendly farming methods, and invests in community development programs. This dedication ensures the production of high-quality cacao while promoting the well-being of farming communities.

Storage:

To maintain the premium quality of Cocoa La Universal products, they should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odors. The ideal storage temperature is between 15-18°C (59-64°F).

NET WT: 420 g