Let’s Take a Ride to the Cacao Farm
Who loves chocolate? By the way, I am answering YES to my own question as I speak. Let’s stay focused. Cacao is the purest form of chocolate that a person can eat, also known as Theobroma Cacao, which in Greek means “Food of the Gods.” Did you know that O’ahu has a Cacao Farm in Kahalu’u? Well, they do! 21 Degrees Estate has been operating for 10 years and was founded by Maria and Mike, a family-owned boutique farm. 21 Degrees Estate got its name from its beautiful and spectacular location, which happens to make it a prime place to grow cacao. Their goal is to grow great cacao for great chocolate, and by the taste of it, they are doing an awesome job!
On June 22, I traveled with a group of about 25 people, mostly visually impaired individuals. As I stepped off the handi-van, I was greeted by the bleating sounds of goats, excited voices filled with laughter, chickens digging up leaves, and the crunch of feet, canes, and walkers on gravel. My nose picked up various scents like guava trees (very fruity), rain, different varieties of flowers, and a light hint of chocolate.
While walking the property, I felt the textures of plants and items around me. The guava fruit was circular with a smooth surface and a pokey end. The other end, connected to the tree, was rough, and the leaves were smooth. The cacao tree had several fruits, known as cacao pods. The first few pods I touched were smooth with a hard outer shell that had dips or ridges. The next cacao pod I felt was bumpy, with a hard shell, but the bumps didn’t poke me.
During our visit, we learned about the history of 21 Degrees Estate and the different types of cacao they grow. We sampled five varieties of chocolate made from their specific cacao trees, ranging from bitter to sweet. The chocolates included flavors of rose, turmeric, ginger, and two special blends unique to 21 Degrees Estate. These blends incorporate their seasonal chocolates, making their creations some of the best in the world. Maria explained, “…we focus on quality and flavor that starts with the kind of cacao that we are growing, the specific strand of cacao, and continues through the cultivation, harvesting, and the important post-harvest processes.” According to Mr. Mike, “…we started out seeking the best trees in the world… and of course the ‘magic soil’ here in Kahalu’u, on the beautiful Windward side of O’ahu.”
We all enjoyed being together, sharing stories, laughing, petting goats, and tasting chocolate. I learned that chocolate has many flavors and textures. The sweetness of the natural sugar and the light taste of rose created a unique chocolate experience. Overall, the goodness of chocolate goes beyond its delicious taste to uplift moods, create connections, and offer an unmatched sensory experience.
As always, Ms. Marri and Travel Visions want people to know that we are capable of living full and happy lives, so keep reading my blog to find out about more adventures! —Kelly
Posted on Jul 24, 2024 @ 6:00 PM