How to Make Chocolate from Scratch: A Traditional Experience at Lasang Farm, Bohol, Philippines
There’s something truly magical about making chocolate from scratch, especially when you do it the traditional way. I recently had the chance to experience this firsthand at Lasang Farm in Bohol, where I learned the art of crafting chocolate step by step. It was a hands-on journey through the rich history and process of chocolate-making, and I’m excited to share it with you!
The 7 Steps to Making Chocolate the Traditional Way
1. Prepare the Beans
The journey starts with selecting and preparing the cacao beans. This involves sorting out the best beans to ensure high-quality chocolate.
2. Roast the Beans
The beans are then roasted using a frying pan over an open fire. Roasting intensifies the chocolate aroma and makes it easier to remove the husks. At Lasang Farm, I got to roast the beans the traditional way, and the rich, nutty scent was absolutely irresistible!
3. Pound the Beans
Once roasted, the beans are pounded using a wooden mortar and pestle to break them into smaller pieces.
4. Winnowing
After pounding and cracking the beans, they are then winnowed to separate the nibs and the husks. These nibs are the purest form of chocolate and can be eaten as they are, but the best part is yet to come.
5. Grinding the Nibs into Paste
The cacao nibs are then ground using a traditional manual grinder. This process turns them into a smooth, thick chocolate paste. The more you grind, the smoother the chocolate becomes. It was fascinating to watch and even more rewarding to take part in!
6. Sweetening and Flavoring
At this stage, natural sweeteners like coconut sugar or muscovado can be added, along with other ingredients like milk or vanilla, depending on the desired flavor. Traditional chocolate is often enjoyed in its purest form, with just a hint of sweetness.
7. Molding and Cooling
Finally, the chocolate paste is poured into molds and left to cool and harden. Once set, you have your very own handmade chocolate, ready to be enjoyed as a drink, snack, or ingredient in desserts.
Making chocolate from scratch at Lasang Farm was an eye-opening experience that deepened my appreciation for this beloved treat. From bean to bar, every step requires patience, skill, and passion—making the final product even more satisfying. If you ever find yourself in Bohol, I highly recommend trying this for yourself!
Please be informed that Lasang Farm will only cater to guests with bookings. Book in advance by texting or calling Ms. Nene at +639332251937 or Sir Ernie at +639209281472. You can message them through their Facebook page as well HERE.
Have you ever made chocolate the traditional way? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
