Chocolate in the heart of Bicolandia

Bicol’s hidden gem is the region’s very first artisan chocolate

In the realm of impromptu escapades, it’s often those spontaneous journeys that weave the most captivating memories. A recent unplanned bumpy road trip, accompanying our aunt, was when serendipity led us to discover some newfound wonders of this vibrant region—a journey of surprises and exploration in the heart of Bicolandia.

Bicol, renowned for its natural wonders and the resilience of its people in the face of disasters, unveils a newfound hidden gem called Crave Cacao Orchard. Nestled in the heart of Calabanga, Camarines Sur, this enchanting haven marries the euphoria of chocolate with the tranquility of nature.

Embark on an extraordinary journey as Crave Cacao Orchard invites you to traverse the path from tree to bar, crafting the very first artisan chocolate for Bicolano farmers. Imagine four  hectares adorned with 2,500 cacao trees, standing resilient against the elements, guarded by the nurturing embrace of banana, mango, and pili trees.

Guided by the fervent vision of its dedicated young mom CEO, Lala Escober Ouradnik, this cocoa haven took root in 2019 as she fearlessly transitioned from her professional endeavors to embrace the allure of farming. As the trees flourished, so did Lala’s commitment, dedicating years to immersing herself in the intricate world of chocolate, from the meticulous art of cultivation to the alchemy of processing and the artful finesse of packaging.

In the cocoon of her home, the air was infused with the intoxicating essence of chocolate. Listening to Lala recount her journey left me both captivated and somewhat guilty, realizing that her profound knowledge was a result of years spent delving into the depths of the chocolate industry. Her narrative painted a sensory masterpiece, reminiscent of the whimsical aroma that might permeate the imaginary halls of Roald Dahl’s Wonka Chocolate Factory.

Embarking on the sensory journey within Crave Cacao is like a dance of love, where each step crafts a symphony of flavor. The careful fermentation, a choreography of precision, bequeaths a velvety smoothness with just a whisper of acidity. The subsequent meticulous roasting, conducted at the ideal temperature, elevates Crave Chocolate to perfection.

You can personally feel its profound connection to the land as mango wood, thoughtfully sourced from the farm, cradles the fermentation box, infusing the chocolate with a delightful fruity wood taste. From the careful selection of ripe cocoa pods to the intricate steps of scraping seeds, fermenting, drying, roasting, cracking, winnowing, grinding, tempering, and molding, every phase unfolds like a well-rehearsed performance.

Visitors to the farm are treated to a firsthand spectacle of this intricate process, where the artistry behind each step is generously explained. There’s a welcoming ethos at Crave—a generosity in sharing knowledge and embracing technology—as Lala’s vision extends beyond the confines of the farm. In Calabanga, the aspiration is for everyone to grow with Crave, making the pursuit of chocolate not just a process but a communal experience.

Yet, Crave Cacao Orchard transcends the mere realms of a chocolate haven. It’s also a sanctuary for the soul. Imagine a behind-the-scenes orchard tour, a magical sojourn where you bear witness to the very birth of your favorite treat. Perhaps opt for a treetop escape, immersing yourself in the simple joys of a good book, or sharing laughter with friends in a cozy treehouse. For those yearning for a more profound retreat, the private farmhouse beckons—a tranquil space for an overnight stay amid the nurturing embrace of nature.

With a harmonious partnership with MikeLiz Integrated Farm, whose owner is a brother of Lala, Crave Cacao Orchard blossoms into the ultimate destination for agritourism. Immerse yourself in a sensory experience as you dive into farm-fresh delights, take a refreshing swim, and lose yourself in the serene surroundings. It’s a place where chocolate-making harmonizes with nature’s bounty, transforming passion into a tangible taste, and where every delectable bite narrates a story of love and dedication to the fertile land of their ancestors.
Crave Cacao Orchard isn’t merely a chocolatier. It’s a movement, an ode to Bicol’s treasures, a lifeline for local farmers, and a portal offering a slice of paradise to the world.

As the resilient Bicolanos, accustomed to nature’s tantrums, gradually realize that their strength lies in unveiling their hidden gems, Crave Cacao Orchard emerges as an undeniable beacon of this revelation of a community united in the pursuit of that spicy, sweet harmony.
Dios Mabalos, Bicolandia!  (Photos Lala Escober Ouradnik and Jacqueline Lucero) — Jacqueline Lucero