Advertisement

World’s Best Chocolate

  • Updated: February 9, 2012

For many Trinidadians, cocoa means much more than chocolate: it’s the island’s history, and a way of life.

These photographs illustrate Ramin Ganeshram’s article _More than Chocolate._

Stollmeyer's Castle
The History Elaborate old estates (like Stollmeyer’s Castle, pictured) were built on Trinidad’s world-class cocoa, most of which goes to Europe. Traveling abroad is about the only way for Trinidadians to taste the island’s chocolate for themselves. Where to buy Trinidad’s Chocolate » Back to More than Chocolate » Jen Judge
Cocoa Pods
The Legacy Growing the world-famous cocoa is the resolve of a select number of family farmers, and also of scientists who have developed hybrids with flavors and aromas known only to these fields. Pictured: Kamaldeo Majarah, Ministry of Agriculture Cocoa Unit. Where to buy Trinidad’s Chocolate » Back to More than Chocolate » Jen Judge
Jude Lee Sam
The Farmers Only a few Trinidadian cocoa farmers were able to carve a fortune from their labor, leading to a workforce decline. But islanders like Jude Lee Sam (pictured) believe the brown gold will return to its former glory. Where to buy Trinidad’s Chocolate » Back to More than Chocolate » Jen Judge
Gina Sonia Hardy
The Artisans Gina Sonia Hardy, Proprietor of Gina’s Truffles, is one of few artisan chocolatiers who live and work on the island. A box of her chocolates was given to President Obama when he visited Trinidad in 2009. Where to buy Trinidad’s Chocolate » Back to More than Chocolate »
Chocolate Truffle
The Finished Chocolate Gina’s chocolates can be ordered online at Modern Equator or purchased locally at Malabar Gourmet Shop and Stechers in Trinidad. Where to buy Trinidad’s Chocolate » Back to More than Chocolate » Jen Judge
Cocoa Pod
Fresh-Picked Cocoa The inside of a freshly harvested cocoa pod. Where to buy Trinidad’s Chocolate » Back to More than Chocolate » Jen Judge
Trinidadian Cacao
Chocolate in Trinidad Norris Henry holding dried cocoa beans at the San Juan Estates. Where to buy Trinidad’s Chocolate » Back to More than Chocolate » Jen Judge
Naailah Ali at the Cocoa Research Unit
The Chemistry Naailah Ali, technical assistant at the Cocoa Research Unit. Where to buy Trinidad’s Chocolate » Back to More than Chocolate » Jen Judge
Gathering Cocoa Pods
The Workers Bharat Singh, Cocoa Fieldmanager harvesting cocoa pods, Ministry of Agriculture Cocoa Unit. Where to buy Trinidad’s Chocolate » Back to More than Chocolate » Jen Judge
Cocoa Pulp
The Process Workers removing the pulpy flesh from the hard outer casing of a cocoa pod by hand. Where to buy Trinidad’s Chocolate » Back to More than Chocolate » Jen Judge
Advertisement

Email Newsletters and Special Offers

Sign up for Islands emails to receive features on travel destinations, event listings and product reviews as well as special offers on behalf of Islands’ partners.

By signing up you agree to receive communications from Islands and select partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. You may opt out of email messages/withdraw consent at any time.

More

Advertisement

Read More

ABOUT US
FOLLOW US
BONNIER BRANDS

Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Islands may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site.

Copyright © 2023 lslands. A Bonnier LLC Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.