Belize is a small Central American country that is known for its natural beauty, friendly people, and delicious food. One of the most iconic foods in Belize is chocolate, which has a rich history in the country dating back to the ancient Maya civilization. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the chocolate in Belize, with a special focus on the CayoDistrict, including Lamanai Chocolate, which is located down the street from JaguarCreek.
Chocolate has been an important part of the culture and cuisine of Belize for thousands of years. The ancient Maya civilization, which thrived in Central America from around 2000 BC to the 16th century AD, believed that chocolate was a gift from the gods. They used chocolate in religious ceremonies, as well as for medicinal and culinary purposes.
Today, Belize is home to a vibrant chocolate industry, with many small-scale farmers and artisanal chocolate makers producing high-quality chocolate using traditional methods. The Cayo District, located in western Belize, is particularly renowned for its chocolate.
The Cayo District is home to several chocolate farms and production facilities, including the popular Belize Chocolate Company and Lamanai Chocolate. Lamanai Chocolate is a family-owned business that is located down the street from Jaguar Creek. They specialize in organic, single-origin chocolate made from cacao beans grown in Belize. They use traditional methods to create their chocolate, resulting in a rich and complex flavor.
Another notable chocolate producer in the Cayo District is Ajaw Chocolate, a family-owned business that has been producing chocolate for over 20 years. They specialize in organic and fair-trade chocolate, and they offer tours of their production facility where visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process.
But it’s not just the chocolate producers that make the Cayo District a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers. The region is also home to several chocolate-themed tours and experiences, including:
1. The Belize Chocolate Festival
The Belize Chocolate Festival is an annual event that takes place in the Cayo District every May. The festival celebrates all things chocolate, with tastings, workshops, and live music. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the history and culture of chocolate in Belize, as well as to taste some of the best chocolate in the country.
2. Maya Chocolate Experience
The Maya Chocolate Experience is a tour that takes visitors on a journey through the history of chocolate in Belize, from the ancient Maya civilization to modern-day production methods. The tour includes a visit to a cacao farm, a demonstration of traditional chocolate-making techniques, and a tasting of different types of chocolate.
3. Maya Chocolate Experience
Chaa Creek is a luxury eco-resort located in the Cayo District that offers a chocolate factory tour for its guests. The tour includes a visit to the resort’s cacao orchard, a demonstration of chocolate-making techniques, and a tasting of different types of chocolate.
In addition to these tours and experiences, visitors to the Cayo District can also find chocolate-themed products and souvenirs, such as chocolate bars, truffles, and hot cocoa mixes.
Overall, the chocolate in Belize, and especially in the Cayo District, is a must-try for anyone visiting the country. The rich history and traditional methods used in chocolate production, combined with the delicious flavor, make for an unforgettable culinary experience. So, whether you’re a chocolate lover or simply curious about the culture and cuisine of Belize, be sure to put chocolate tasting on your list of things to do in the CayoDistrict, including a visit to Lamanai Chocolate down the street from Jaguar Creek.
