HACIENDA SAN JOSÉ DEL REAL

With its 175 hectares, Hacienda San José del Real is the largest cocoa plantation in Central America (this large farm also cultivates sugar cane and bananas). The visit is very interesting because you explained in detail the whole process of cocoa production: from planting cacaotiers to different drying methods. You can even taste the fruit of the cacaotier: when it has just been picked, and then after the drying process. It is naturally cultivated (without using products that could contaminate the environment) and following a craft process. The main harvest period is from March to May. Three types of cacaotiers are planted: survived (more resistant), criollo (more tasty) and trinitario (which is actually a hybrid species, result of a cross between survived and criollo). Two drying processes are followed: lavado cocoa (which is sold in Salavdor) and fermentado cocoa (for export).