st-roca
São Tomé (roça cacao)
São Tomé and Príncipe · São Tomé Island (former roças) reviewed
Amelonadoadmixture
An island producer in the Gulf of Guinea whose cacao traces back to 19th-century Portuguese plantations (roças), now grown largely by smallholders and cooperatives on São Tomé Island.
| Country | São Tomé and Príncipe |
|---|---|
| Region | São Tomé Island (former roças) |
| Growing region | Africa |
| Coordinates | 0.25°, 6.60° (approx.) |
| Elevation | 100-700 m |
| Producer | multiple |
| Genetic groups | Amelonado, admixture |
| Traditional class | Forastero |
| Also known as | roça cacao, Sãotomean cacao |
| Bean notes | Amelonado-derived populations established on the islands' historic plantations (roças) from Brazilian material introduced in the 19th century, with some hybrid plantings. |
| Harvest season | main Jan-Mar; secondary crop Jun-Sep |
| Fermentation | Smallholder and cooperative fermentation, typically 5-7 days. |
| Drying | Sun-dried, traditionally on rolling roofed drying decks at the old roças. |
| Flavour | earthy cocoa · warm spice · light fruit · low acidity |
| Certifications | organic |
| Updated | 2026-05-22 |
Sources
- Motamayor et al. 2008, PLoS ONE 3(10):e3311 (genetic clusters)
- Wikipedia — 'Organic Cocoa Production and Export Cooperative' (CECAB)
- Macao Magazine — 'Chocolate's return to São Tomé and Príncipe'