With a complex citrus note, honey and flower - often roses - the Maranhão variety cocoa is found in the middle of the primary forest with a floodplain biome, which gives it unique and differentiated sensorial characteristics.
There are three brothers, Raimundo, João and Manoel do Carmo (Xiba), united in the forest management culture, extractivists and cocoa growers, who lead and coordinate this initiative with the Bom Jardim Community. They harvest, select, grind, ferment and dry the cocoa beans with a lot of affection, dedication and diligence.
An extractivist, Xiba is proud of not knowing just a single plant species in “his bush”. He succeeded his father in the knowledge and use of the forest, from where his family takes medicine, food and is nourished with stories and legends rich in syncretism, wisdom and teachings.
Image Credits: Mauro Rossi
SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The Silva family brothers manage an area of 200 hectares, home to many animals and plant species. Working with cocoa directly impacts 100 people.
