Taza Chocolate

Taza Chocolate is a chocolate manufacturing company based in Somerville, Massachusetts. The company was founded in 2005 by Alex Whitmore, who was inspired by the traditional stone-ground chocolate making process he observed during his travels in Oaxaca, Mexico. Taza Chocolate is known for its organic, stone-ground chocolate products that are made using ethically sourced cacao beans.

History

Taza Chocolate was established in 2005 by Alex Whitmore and Kathleen Fulton. Whitmore, after experiencing the traditional chocolate making process in Oaxaca, decided to bring this unique approach to the United States. The company's name, "Taza," means "cup" in Spanish, a nod to the traditional Mexican way of consuming chocolate as a drink.

Production Process

Taza Chocolate uses a traditional stone grinding process to make its chocolate. This method, which involves grinding cacao beans between large stone wheels, is believed to preserve the complex flavors of the cacao. The company sources its cacao beans directly from small farmer cooperatives, ensuring fair trade and sustainable practices.

Products

Taza Chocolate offers a variety of products, including chocolate bars, discs, and gift sets. The company's chocolate bars are available in several flavors, such as sea salt and almond, coconut, and cinnamon. The chocolate discs, inspired by Mexican tradition, are often used to make hot chocolate.

Recognition

Taza Chocolate has received recognition for its commitment to ethical sourcing and traditional production methods. The company is a pioneer in the Direct Trade movement, which prioritizes direct, transparent relationships with cacao farmers over third-party certifications.

See Also

• Chocolate
• Fair trade
• Direct Trade
• Oaxaca, Mexico