Colombia · Magdalena / Cesar (Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta)
reviewed
Criolloadmixture
Cacao grown on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in northern Colombia, including production by Arhuaco and other Indigenous communities descended from the Tairona. The massif is also known for a local Porcelana-type fine cacao.
Country
Colombia
Region
Magdalena / Cesar (Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta)
Growing region
Americas
Coordinates
10.80°, -73.70° (approx.)
Elevation
300-1200 m
Producer
regional
Genetic groups
Criollo, admixture
Traditional class
mixed
Also known as
Arhuaco
Bean notes
Variable cotyledon colour; mixed populations cultivated by Indigenous and campesino growers. Some farms retain Criollo-leaning material, and a local Porcelana-type cacao of the Sierra is recognised as a Slow Food Presidium.
Harvest season
main Oct-Dec; smaller Apr-Jun
Fermentation
Smallholder and community box fermentation, roughly 4-6 days.
Drying
Sun-dried on patios and raised beds.
Flavour
cocoa · fruity · nutty · honey · mild floral
Certifications
organic
Updated
2026-05-22
Sources
Slow Food Foundation: 'Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Porcelana Cacao' Presidium — https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/slow-food-presidia/sierra-nevada-de-santa-marta-porcelana-cacao/
ACDI/VOCA: 'Improvement of the Cacao Value Chain in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta' — https://www.acdivoca.org/projects/improvement-of-the-cacao-value-chain-in-the-sierra-nevada-de-santa-marta/