Origins / Porcelanave-porcelana
Porcelana
Venezuela · Zulia (Sur del Lago de Maracaibo)
reviewed
Criollo admixture
A Venezuelan Criollo-type cacao from the southern Lake Maracaibo basin, regarded as one of the closest survivors of ancient Criollo. It is prized for pale beans and a mild, low-astringency profile, though most current plantings are genetically admixed.
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Country Venezuela Region Zulia (Sur del Lago de Maracaibo) Growing region Americas Coordinates 8.90°, -71.80° (approx.) Elevation 0-200 m Producer regional Genetic groups Criollo, admixture Traditional class Criollo Also known as Porcelana del Sur del Lago Bean notes Characteristically white to ivory cotyledon in well-selected lots, lacking the anthocyanin pigment that gives most cacao its purple colour; named for its porcelain-like appearance. Modern field populations are commonly admixed. Harvest season main Oct-Jan; smaller crop Apr-Jun Fermentation Box fermentation, typically short given the low-polyphenol beans, roughly 2-4 days. Drying Sun-dried on patios. Flavour mild cocoa · nutty · caramel · delicate · low bitterness Updated 2026-05-22
Sources Motamayor et al. 2008, 'Geographic and Genetic Population Differentiation of the Amazonian Chocolate Tree (Theobroma cacao L.)', PLoS ONE 3(10):e3311 Silva Cacao — Venezuelan 360, https://silva-cacao.com/articles/silva-cacaos-venezuelan-360/ The Chocolate Ambassador — Venezuelan Fine Flavor Cacao: History, Genetics, and Legacy, https://www.thechocolateambassador.net/post/venezuelan-cacao-a-legacy-of-heritage-and-fine-flavor
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