Cacao - Climate - and Come Taste!

Property Hunt and First Info Meeting.

Here is a fact about cacao which most other commercial crops can not claim - it is GOOD for the environment! Unlike the production of pineapple, rice, sugar cane or meat - to take a few examples - cacao production is actually contributing to a healthier eco-system. When we start our plantation we plant trees which will thrive in a forest environment, create shade and shelter for wildlife, enhance water retention and combat erosion - and we do not need the tons of chemicals the aforementioned industries apply. Chemicals like pesticides and insecticides are not only unnecessary, they may actually be harmful to our cacao production as they may jeopardize the presence of the tiny fly "Forcipomyia" - the main pollinator of the cacao flower.

The natural habitat for the cacao tree is the rain forest. The tree prefers temperatures between 21 and 28 degrees Celsius (70-82 Fahrenheit) and plenty of rain, from 1,500-3,000 millimeters per year. Most of the Zona Norte in Costa Rica will fit into that frame of requirements, however many other factors are important for us when we choose the property for our Maleku Chocolate Forest. Accessibility, the presence of power and water supply, the soil etc. In the video below you can get a taste of what we may be looking at - I think it is a good example of a property with potential, not only for the cacao growing but also for the success of the Maleku Chocolate Makation concept with a tourist appeal as it offers great views and it is relatively close to the beaches of Guanacaste. (Foot note: We have the option to buy adjacent properties and add to the 19 hectares of "La Vista")