The Golden Bean
Origins of Cacao in Ecuador
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Discover the Golden Bean and the origins of Cacao in Ecuador, through a story that takes the reader on a journey that spans for 5,300 years, revealing archaeological and genetic findings and evidences of the first humans who cultivated and consumed cacao.
Learn about this tropical fruit and its seeds that processed become the chocolate that captivates palates worldwide. If you appreciate chocolate, and are curious about what is behind the food you consume. If you delight by the view of a cacao orchard, or feel attracted to stylish chocolate shops where cacao is king. Then, we invite you to get to know the “Golden Bean”, and savor this book with all your senses.
The book focuses on the role of cacao as a central source of income for Cacao is a major crop and source of income for Ecuador, nowadays the third largest producer and exporter of cacao beans worldwide. The country has been exporting cacao for almost five centuries, and this trade has influenced the struggle for independence from Spain, gave impetus to the Liberal Revolution, and was key for opening Ecuador’s economy to the world in the XIX and XX centuries.
In The Golden Bean. Origins of Cacao in Ecuador, author Lourdes Paez and photographer Fernando Espinosa do justice to the rich history of cacao, and the old tradition of craft chocolate in their homeland. Moreover, they show cacao as the finest ambassador of their country, bringing joy and well-being worldwide.
AWARDED
PREMIO NACIONAL DE GASTRONOMÍA 2015
(Ecuador’s Culinary Prize 2015)
The prize consisted of an original painting created for this award by the Ecuadorian artist Miguel Betancourt. The prize was awarded during the Gastronomy Congress “Latitud Cero” organized by Espai-Epicur with Chef Mauricio Acuña. (Quito 2015)
In 2015, the authors received the National Gastronomy Award, for publishing a book about Cocoa, a fruit that has been key in the diet and nutrition of Ecuadorian families, as well as being the crop that has contributed to the economy and culture of Ecuadorians for millennia. The award was presented at the 2015 Latitud Cero Gastronomic Festival.
Lourdes Paez Paredes
Author
Lourdes Páez Paredes, award winning author and entrepreneur. Began her career in Communication for Development as a consultant for FAO, UNICEF, USAID and local NGOs. Founder and CEO of the Communications and Media agency IMAGCOM, she received several international awards for her work such as the Magellan Communications 2006. Author of Ecuador Tierra del Cacao (2015), a book about the Origins of Cacao in Ecuador, she has been working with cacao and chocolate for over 20 years. Passionate promoter of Ecuadorian cacao, she took on the task to research and write this book as a way to honor the fertile and diverse land of Ecuador, her homeland. As a supporter and advocate of fair trade, Lourdes Paez created the chocolate brand Lachó Cacao (www.lachocacao.com), to encourage the consumption of chocolate made with single origin cocoa beans, crafted into delicious superfood products. The drive to create this book came from deep interest in chocolate and the genuine desire to publish information about the ancient history of cacao in Ecuador. Lourdes Páez, author was joined in this task by Fernando Espinosa, photographer. As a team, they combined photographic art with skilled research and writing, along four years that took to complete their travels throughout Ecuador, Europe, North America and Central America. Following the trail of the “Golden Bean” they visited orchards, ports, factories, chocolate shops, museums, laboratories, and kitchens. In these places, they captured brilliant photographs and interviewed farmers, chocolate makers, food scientists, sommeliers, traders, and many people involved in the chocolate business all over the world.
REVIEWS
What do readers say about Ecuador Tierra del Cacao?
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ABOUT US
The Chocolate Academy was born in 2011 to promote a culture of appreciation of chocolate, through training, presence at fairs and events, publications, research and consumer education. Lourdes Páez is one of the founders of the Chocolate Academy, and who has developed academic and communication activities in favour of Ecuadorian cocoa and chocolate.
RESOURCES
While reading The Golden Bean. Origins of Cacao in Ecuador, it might happen that you feel like learning further about the world of cacao, in that case you will find guides and educational resources that I have prepared for book clubs, schools and universities.
The guides and the Infographic about Cacao, can be useful resources to understand its history.
** Please leave a review about the book, getting feedback from readers is always rewarding. You can post your feedback at the Facebook profile of the Academia del Chocolate or send an email.
The Making of "The Golden Bean. Origins of Cacao in Ecuador"
It was a four-year journey that began with a passion for chocolate and a deep curiosity about the history and significance of cocoa in Ecuador. Lourdes Paez, an avid researcher and writer, embarked on an adventure to uncover the secrets of Ecuador's cocoa industry. With determination and a thirst for knowledge, she set out to create a comprehensive book that would showcase the rich cultural heritage and economic importance of cocoa in her homeland. Lourdes knew that this project would require extensive research and firsthand experiences. She started by immersing herself in the world of cocoa, reaching out to farmers, chocolate makers, traders, historians, and artisans. Through countless interviews, she gathered stories, insights, and knowledge that would form the backbone of her book. To truly understand the entire process, Lourdes knew she had to witness it firsthand. She embarked on a series of journeys across rural areas in Ecuador, where cocoa farms were nestled amidst lush green landscapes. She observed the meticulous care that farmers put into growing and harvesting cocoa beans. Lourdes listened intently as they shared their knowledge passed down through generations, their dedication evident in every word spoken. But the story didn't end in the fields of Ecuador. Lourdes knew that the journey of cocoa didn't stop at its origin. She wanted to discover how Ecuadorian cocoa beans were traded, processed, and consumed in different corners of the world. She embarked on an international expedition, visiting chocolate shops in Belgium, France, the UK, and the USA. In each country, she delved into the intricacies of the chocolate industry, learning about the various techniques used and the unique flavours that emerged from each region. Accompanying Lourdes throughout this remarkable journey was the talented photographer Fernando Espinosa. Together, they sought to capture the essence of cocoa and chocolate through stunning visuals. Fernando's keen eye for detail brought to life the vibrant colours, textures, and emotions that surrounded the world of cocoa. His photographs would be the perfect complement to Lourdes' meticulously crafted words. After four years of tireless research, travel, and collaboration, "The Golden Bean. Origins of Cacao in Ecuador” was finally complete. The book showcased the story of cocoa in Ecuador, from its origin in the Amazon region, to its place as a sought-after commodity in the global market. It celebrated the hard work of farmers, the craftsmanship of chocolate makers, and the cultural significance of cocoa in Ecuadorian society. Lourdes and Fernando had succeeded in capturing the heart and soul of cocoa, leaving readers captivated by its story. Their joint effort had produced a work of art that would educate, inspire, and celebrate the wonders of Ecuadorian cocoa. And as readers delved into the pages of the book, they would embark on their own journey, one that would forever change their perception of chocolate and the land that produced it.
