In a world where cocoa is often just a quick commodity, there are projects that make us pause. Awajún Cocoa is one such project. It tells a story of indigenous pride, ecological reforestation, and a young generation revitalizing the heritage of their ancestors in the Peruvian Amazon.

Dive into the video with Jan Schubert from Original Beans to learn about the unique characteristics of our Awajun cocoa.

A fresh start from the "pineapple desert"

The history of the Awajún community of Chapiyacu was long defined by challenges. The construction of roads made their territory accessible, which led to deforestation and the emergence of monocultures like rice and pineapple—Jan from Original Beans aptly calls it a "pineapple desert."

However, a young, dynamic group of tribe members (many between 20 and 30 years old) decided on a different path. They terminated lease agreements and began reforesting their land in the form of agroforestry systems (cocoa-rich mixed forests).

What makes Awajún cocoa so special

1. Biodiversity instead of monoculture

It is not just cocoa trees growing in the Awajún nurseries. There are up to 210 different tree species to be found there, including vanilla, medicinal plants, and fruit trees. This approach not only protects the soil but also provides a habitat for animals like armadillos, toucans, and howler monkeys.

2. The genetics: True Trinitario

Contrary to the trend toward modern high-performance hybrids, the Awajún rely on so-called ICS varieties (Imperial College Selection). These are the last true Trinitario cocoas, which are particularly aromatic and perfectly suited to the shady climate of the rainforest.

3. Community and trust

The project is based on an impressive sense of community. Since financing is difficult, farmers hand over their cocoa to the cooperative and initially receive only part of the money until the cocoa is sold—a testament to the enormous internal trust in the joint project.

The spiritual and health dimension

Although modern drinking culture is new to some tribe members, the elders report a deep connection to the plant:

• Medicine: Cocoa was traditionally prepared for pregnant women and nursing mothers.

• Hunting companion: Ancestors chewed fresh cocoa beans during hunts to stay alert and highly focused.

Flavor profile: Gentle love in a cup

Those who try Awajún cocoa are in for a surprise. While other varieties are often very strong or tart, this cocoa stands out for its:

• A gentle, soft note.

• A profile that lies somewhere between fruity and mild—ideal for newcomers to the world of ceremonial cocoa.

Protect the rainforest with every cup

When you enjoy Awajún Cocoa, you are not just drinking a "food of the gods." You are directly supporting the protection of over 100,000 hectares of forest in the Alto Mayo region of Peru. It is a form of sovereignty that allows the Awajún to be proud of their own language and culture while remaining part of the modern world.

Let the cocoa open your heart and connect with the power of the Amazon.