Castronovo Chocolate

Castronovo Chocolate

Castronovo Chocolate is a renowned artisan chocolate company based in Stuart, Florida. Founded in 2013 by Denise Castronovo, the company is known for its commitment to sourcing high-quality cacao beans directly from farmers around the world. Castronovo Chocolate has gained recognition for its dedication to preserving the unique flavors of different cacao varieties and for its sustainable and ethical practices.

History

Denise Castronovo, a former ecologist, started Castronovo Chocolate with the aim of creating exceptional chocolate while supporting small-scale cacao farmers. She believed that by directly sourcing cacao beans, she could ensure fair prices for farmers and maintain the integrity of the chocolate-making process.

Bean-to-Bar Process

Castronovo Chocolate follows a meticulous bean-to-bar process to create its exquisite chocolates. The company sources cacao beans from various regions, including Venezuela, Colombia, and Tanzania. Each batch of beans is carefully selected based on its unique flavor profile.

Upon arrival at the Castronovo Chocolate factory, the beans undergo a thorough quality check. Any defective beans are removed, ensuring only the finest beans are used in the chocolate-making process. The beans are then roasted to enhance their flavors and remove any unwanted bitterness.

After roasting, the beans are cracked and winnowed to separate the cacao nibs from the husks. The nibs are ground into a paste called chocolate liquor, which is then conched to refine the texture and flavor. Castronovo Chocolate uses traditional stone grinders for conching, allowing for a slow and gentle process that preserves the delicate flavors of the cacao.

Product Range

Castronovo Chocolate offers a wide range of chocolate bars, each showcasing the unique flavors of different cacao varieties. Some of their popular bars include:

• Criollo - Made from rare Criollo cacao beans, known for their complex and fruity flavors.
• Trinitario - A blend of Criollo and Forastero cacao beans, resulting in a balanced and rich chocolate.
• Arriba - Made from Nacional cacao beans, which are known for their floral and nutty notes.

In addition to their chocolate bars, Castronovo Chocolate also produces chocolate-covered cacao nibs, drinking chocolate, and limited-edition seasonal products.

Awards and Recognition

Castronovo Chocolate has received numerous awards and accolades for its exceptional chocolates. The company has been recognized by prestigious organizations such as the International Chocolate Awards and the Academy of Chocolate. Their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them a loyal following of chocolate enthusiasts worldwide.