1 First Chocolate producer In Samoa
Wilex Samoa is a family-owned business that has become a pioneer in the koko industry, despite facing significant obstacles along the way. Originally starting in Moata’a, the family began producing award-winning chocolates before their factory was destroyed by fire in 2003. However, the headstrong and ambitious Mr. Wilson refused to give up on his dream and moved the factory to Lelata to start anew.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck again in 2012 when Cyclone Evan destroyed the facilities. But once again, Mr. Wilson refused to be deterred and started from scratch. He found strength and inspiration in the name Koko Loa, which not only refers to the chocolate they produce but also represents the mighty strength of Tagaloa that pushed him to continue pursuing his dream.
Despite the challenges, Wilex Samoa has received multiple awards, including the Business Accelerator Award under the Pacific Cooperation Foundation in New Zealand and the Exporter of the Year in 2003. The company is just as invested in growing the local farming industry as it is in making succulent chocolates. One of the founders' long-term dreams is to better the lives of local farmers by offering them a sustainable market. Mr. Wilson encourages other local farmers to plant more koko and is working with the Ministry of Agriculture and local farming associations to build the production of koko in Samoa.
As Wilex Samoa continues to prosper, Mr. Wilson has his sights set on creating a 100% Samoa made chocolate, with all the ingredients sourced locally. He firmly believes that they can never grow enough koko Samoa, as the whole world wants what they produce. Their delicately crafted chocolates are available at the Sheraton Hotels, Wilex Factory in Lelata, and will soon be available online and at exclusive boutique stores.
2 Who discovered Cacao?
Cacao, the key ingredient in chocolate, has a long and fascinating history that dates back over 2,000 years. While we may never know exactly who first discovered cacao, there is evidence to suggest that it was first cultivated and used by the ancient Maya civilisation in Mesoamerica.
The Maya people believed that cacao had divine properties and used it in religious ceremonies. They even created a beverage made from ground cacao beans, which they called "xocolatl," meaning "bitter water." The beverage was often mixed with spices and honey to sweeten it, and was believed to have medicinal properties as well.
The Aztecs, who conquered the Maya in the 15th century, also valued cacao and used it in their religious ceremonies. They even used cacao beans as a form of currency, with one bean being worth about the same as a small tomato.
It wasn't until the arrival of the Spanish in Mesoamerica in the 16th century that cacao was introduced to Europe. Initially, it was used mainly as a medicine, but its popularity quickly spread as a luxury beverage. The addition of sugar in Europe helped to make the bitter cacao beverage more palatable and led to the development of modern chocolate.
While we may never know exactly who first discovered cacao, we can certainly appreciate the long and fascinating history of this amazing plant. From its humble beginnings as a sacred beverage for the Maya and Aztecs to the modern chocolate industry we know today, cacao has played an important role in human culture and history.
3 Even the Filipinos are in on the craze!
In the Philippines, cacao is an important crop, and it is primarily grown in the regions of Davao and Batangas. It is used to make a variety of traditional Filipino sweets, including chocolate bars, cakes, and ice cream. One of the most popular Filipino cacao products is the tablea, a traditional chocolate drink that has been enjoyed for generations.
Tablea is made from roasted cacao beans that are ground into a fine powder, which is then formed into tablets or disks. The process of making tablea is an important tradition in many Filipino households, and each family may have their own unique recipe. Some recipes call for the addition of sugar or milk, while others rely solely on the natural sweetness of the cacao.
To prepare tablea, the tablets are dissolved in hot water or milk and stirred until fully melted. The resulting drink is rich and chocolatey, with a slightly bitter taste that is characteristic of pure cacao. It is often served with bread or other pastries, and is a popular breakfast or midday snack.
In addition to being a tasty treat, tablea is also believed to have health benefits. Cacao is high in antioxidants, which help to fight off harmful free radicals in the body. It is also a good source of iron, magnesium, and other minerals.
Despite its popularity in the Philippines, tablea remains relatively unknown outside of the country. However, with the growing interest in artisanal chocolate and traditional foods, tablea is beginning to gain recognition as a unique and delicious product. As more people discover the delights of tablea, it is likely to become an increasingly important part of the global cacao industry.
4 Who is the largest exporter of Cacao?
5 Who named Chocolate?
The origins of chocolate can be traced back to Mesoamerica, where the Mayan and Aztec civilizations cultivated cacao trees and used their beans to make a variety of chocolate-based drinks and dishes. The word "chocolate" itself is believed to have originated from the Aztec word "xocolatl," which was a combination of the words "xococ" (meaning bitter or sour) and "atl" (meaning water).
In ancient Mesoamerica, chocolate was considered a luxury item and was used in religious ceremonies and given as gifts to important individuals. The preparation of chocolate was an involved process that began with the harvesting of cacao pods, which contained the precious cacao beans. The beans were then fermented, roasted, and ground into a paste, which was mixed with water and other ingredients, such as spices and chili peppers, to create a bitter, frothy drink.
When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mesoamerica in the 16th century, they were introduced to chocolate and eventually brought it back to Europe, where it became popular among the aristocracy. The addition of sugar and milk transformed the bitter drink into a sweet and creamy treat, and chocolate quickly became a sought-after commodity throughout Europe.
Today, chocolate is enjoyed in many different forms and is produced in countries all around the world. While its origins may be humble, the word "chocolate" still carries with it the rich history and cultural significance of its Mesoamerican roots.