Beniano
(Cacao Silvestre)
Beniano cocoa, also known as cacao silvestre, is a rare, fine-flavor cacao variety native to the wild forests along the Beni River in Bolivia. The Beniano pod is typically small and rounded, much smaller than conventional cacao pods like Forastero or Trinitario.
Its shape and size make it easier to handle in the wild, and it matures into a yellow-orange color when ripe. The surface is smoother and less ridged than most commercial varieties, reflecting its unique genetic identity and ancestral lineage. Beniano cocoa beans are small and round, with a low bitterness and a high fat content, making them ideal for premium chocolate production.
The flavor is remarkably delicate and floral, with notes of honey, dried fruit, jasmine, and mild spice, often with a subtle citrus brightness. Read more
The taste is refined and well-balanced, without the aggressive bitterness found in bulk cacao varieties. Revered for its delicate aroma and complex taste profile, Beniano is part of the wild Amazonian cacao family, often considered a genetic treasure in the world of chocolate.
It is typically classified under Bolivian wild cacao or referred to as a sub-variety of Criollo, though its genetics remain unique and highly prized. Unlike cultivated cacao, Beniano grows naturally in the floodplains and rainforests of the Bolivian Amazon.
The trees are not planted but rather harvested from the wild, often requiring travel by canoe or on foot through dense jungle. This foraging-based harvesting process not only preserves the natural ecosystem but also connects the cocoa to centuries-old traditions of the indigenous and rural communities who have worked with these trees for generations.
Due to its remote origin, limited harvests, and intensive collection process, Beniano cocoa is considered rare and exclusive, used primarily by artisan and bean-to-bar chocolate makers seeking exceptional raw material. Its wild nature and nuanced flavor place it among the world’s most coveted heirloom cocoas, celebrated not only for its taste but for its ecological and cultural significance.
