Origins / Sur del Lagove-sur-del-lago
Sur del Lago
Venezuela · Zulia / Mérida / Táchira / Trujillo (southern Lake Maracaibo basin)
reviewed
Criollo admixture
A large cacao region surrounding the southern shores of Lake Maracaibo, spanning four states. It is the historic heartland of Venezuelan Criollo cacao, including Porcelana, and supplies a substantial share of national production.
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Country Venezuela Region Zulia / Mérida / Táchira / Trujillo (southern Lake Maracaibo basin) Growing region Americas Coordinates 8.85°, -71.55° (approx.) Elevation 0-200 m Producer regional Genetic groups Criollo, admixture Traditional class Trinitario Also known as Sur del Lago de Maracaibo, Maracaibo Bean notes Mixed cotyledon colour; aromatic Trinitario populations carrying ancestral Criollo material (including Porcelana and Guasare types). Historically exported under the 'Maracaibo' name. Harvest season two crops, roughly Jul-Aug and Dec-Jan Fermentation Smallholder and estate box fermentation, roughly 4-6 days. Drying Sun-dried on patios, finished under cover in wet weather. Flavour cocoa · cream · nutty · mild fruit · low astringency Updated 2026-05-22
Sources 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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