Introducing the Gold Winner of the International Chocolate Awards Americas Competition 2021!
Chocolate Sierra Sagrada was conceived by biologist Marco Caraballo Pérez and industrial microbiologist Andrea Díaz Ovalle. These visionary individuals, also the co-founders of C & D CACAO SAS, a Colombian company that proudly owns the brand, have nurtured a lifelong passion for chocolate since their early years.
The journey of Sierra Sagrada commences with visits to cocoa farms and collection centers, where cocoa beans undergo meticulous processing. After stringent quality checks, we directly purchase these beans from the Arhuaco indigenous community, offering them a fair price that typically surpasses competitive offers from intermediaries. These cocoa beans, initially in dried form, are processed in accordance with the highest chocolate-making standards. They are then lovingly handcrafted into pure dark chocolate bars, available in 64%, 72%, and 85% cocoa content. Each bar boasts a distinct flavor profile, a testament to the unique essence of this mountainous region. If you're curious about how cocoa content can influence your chocolate experience, our collection is the perfect tasting journey for you.
Each Sierra Sagrada's bar is a testament to the rich cacao cultivated in the foothills of the sacred Sierra Nevada, known as the 'Heart of the World.' These crops thrive in the lowlands, reaching heights of approximately 400 meters above sea level. In every creation, the esteemed Criollo beans take center stage, making these cocoa beans a premium, exceptional variety.
Sierra Sagrada's cocoa beans are sourced from the Arhuaca Villafaña family farm, nestled between the Don Diego River and the Palomino River. These beans, used to craft our 64%, 72%, and 85% cocoa bars, are a pure reflection of the María and Valencia streams. They are carefully processed, undergoing fermentation and drying by the dedicated peasant association, Guardabosques de la Sierra. Throughout this process, they prioritize environmental sustainability, showing utmost respect for the surrounding forests, watercourses, and the local flora and fauna. Sierra Sagrada's commitment to eco-conscious practices means no agrochemicals are employed; instead, they embrace agro-ecological techniques.
The cocoa beans are harvested at the peak of their quality in November 2022, coinciding with the Sierra Nevada's highest production period. Sierra Nevada ensures that each bean receives a fair price, surpassing reference values. Their direct purchases, devoid of intermediaries, foster a close and transparent relationship with the producers, enriching the entire process.
Sierra Nevada createz micro-batches for each type of cocoa bean, avoiding blending to accentuate the unique flavor notes. Carefully selecting the perfect roasting profile for each seed allows them to preserve the delightful fruity and floral undertones, as well as the essence of cocoa in its' chocolate. Its' guiding principles are aroma, flavor, and texture, and the brand continuously strive to enhance each bar through tempering. The final touch involves hand-wrapping each bar individually, ensuring meticulous attention to every packaging detail.
All these efforts are dedicated to those with a discerning palate for artisanal premium real chocolate, offering you an unforgettable tasting experience.
