Bohol Chocolate Making and Farm Tour

Bohol’s chocolate making and farm tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the intricate world of cacao cultivation and chocolate production. Participants can witness the entire process, from harvesting ripe pods to tasting fresh fruit. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides an immersive experience that delves into Bohol’s rich agricultural heritage. With convenient pickup services and private group options, this tour promises a delightful and educational journey for those eager to discover the secrets behind Bohol’s renowned chocolate.

Key Points

• The Bohol Chocolate Making and Farm Tour offers a 5-hour experience to explore cacao cultivation, chocolate production, and tropical fruit tasting.
• Participants witness the entire chocolate-making process, from fermentation and sun-drying to roasting and molding.
• Guests can sample fresh cacao fruit, highlighting the raw ingredients used in chocolate-making.
• The tour includes a tropical fruit tasting featuring diverse produce from the local farm.
• Private group options are available, with pickup and drop-off services at Panglao Island and Loboc.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Bohol Chocolate Making and Farm Tour offers visitors a comprehensive educational experience, immersing them in the captivating process of chocolate production.

The Bohol Chocolate Making and Farm Tour offers visitors a comprehensive educational experience, immersing them in the captivating process of chocolate production.

Priced from €61.67 per person, this 5-hour private group tour takes guests on a journey to explore the cacao tree, from harvesting the pods to crafting the final chocolate treats.

Participants can witness the entire chocolate-making process, including fermentation, sun-drying, roasting, and molding.

The tour also includes a tasting of fresh tropical fruits.

Pickup and drop-off services are available at Panglao Island and Loboc, with English-speaking guides leading the experience.

Cacao Cultivation and Harvesting

Cacao trees take approximately 3-5 years to mature and produce their first pods. The pods are harvested by hand, carefully removing them from the tree. Once collected, the pods are split open, revealing the cacao beans coated in a sweet, white pulp.

| Stage | Description |

|——-|————-|

| Harvesting | Pods are hand-picked when fully ripe, with a yellow or orange hue. |

| Fermentation | Beans are fermented for 5-7 days to develop their flavor. |

| Drying | Beans are sun-dried for 1-2 weeks to reduce moisture content. |

| Roasting | Beans are roasted to bring out their rich, chocolatey aroma and taste. |

The processed cacao beans are then used to create the delectable chocolate products.

Chocolate Making Process

After the cacao beans are harvested and dried, the chocolate-making process begins. Guests witness the beans being roasted to develop their flavor.

Next, the roasted beans are cracked, and the nibs are separated from the shells. The nibs are then ground into a smooth paste called cocoa liquor or cocoa mass.

This liquor is then pressed to extract the cocoa butter, leaving behind the cocoa solids. The cocoa solids are further refined and conched to achieve the desired texture and flavor.

Finally, the chocolate is tempered, molded, and cooled, ready to be tasted and savored.

Tasting Fresh Chocolate Fruit

Fresh cacao fruit awaits guests, a delightful surprise on the chocolate-making journey.

Visitors can pluck the vibrant pods from the trees and sample the sweet, tangy pulp surrounding the cacao beans. This hands-on experience allows them to appreciate the raw ingredients that will eventually become rich, decadent chocolate.

As they taste the fresh fruit, guests gain a deeper understanding of the chocolate-making process, from tree to treat. The juicy, tropical flavors provide a refreshing contrast to the final roasted, dark chocolate the group will create later in the day.

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Fermentation and Sun Drying

Once the fresh cacao pods are harvested, the beans must undergo a crucial process of fermentation and sun drying.

First, the beans are placed in wooden boxes or on banana leaves, where they ferment for 5-7 days. This process develops the chocolate flavor and aroma.

Next, the fermented beans are spread out in the sun to dry for 1-2 weeks. During this time, the beans lose moisture and take on a deeper brown color.

This careful fermentation and drying ensures the final chocolate will have its signature rich, complex flavor profile.

Roasting and Moulding

With the fermentation and drying complete, the roasting process begins. The cacao beans are carefully roasted to develop their rich, chocolate flavor.

The guides explain the importance of controlling the temperature and duration to achieve the perfect roast.

Controlling the temperature and duration is crucial to achieve the perfect roast for the cacao beans.

Next, the roasted beans are cracked open, and the nibs are separated from the shells. The guides then demonstrate the moulding process, where the nibs are ground into a smooth chocolate paste and poured into moulds.

Guests have the opportunity to create their own chocolate bars, personalizing them with various toppings and flavors.

Tropical Fruit Tasting

After the hands-on chocolate-making experience, guests are treated to a delightful tropical fruit tasting. The farm’s fresh, vibrant produce is showcased, allowing visitors to savor the natural sweetness and unique flavors of the region. The tasting features a range of tropical delights, from the tangy pineapple to the creamy avocado. Guests can indulge their senses and learn about the diverse array of fruits grown on the farm.

| Fruit | Flavor | Texture |

| — | — | — |

| Pineapple | Tart and sweet | Juicy and fibrous |

| Mango | Tropical and sweet | Soft and creamy |

| Jackfruit | Unique and savory-sweet | Firm and dense |

| Rambutan | Delicate and floral | Soft and pulpy |

Customer Reviews and Experiences

Travelers have consistently praised the Bohol Chocolate Making and Farm Tour for its exceptional educational value and immersive experience.

One review highlighted a "great learning experience about chocolate," with comfortable transportation and friendly guides. Customers applauded the opportunity to witness the entire cacao process, from growing trees to crafting chocolate treats.

The tour’s hands-on activities, such as tasting fresh cacao fruit and using chocolate-making equipment, have particularly resonated with visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Chocolate Molds?

You can bring your own chocolate molds, but it’s not necessary. The tour provides all the necessary chocolate-making equipment, including molds, so you can focus on the hands-on chocolate-making experience.

Is There a Vegetarian/Vegan Chocolate Option Available?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention a vegetarian or vegan chocolate option. However, the inclusion of fresh tropical fruit tasting suggests there may be plant-based alternatives available. Guests should inquire about dietary accommodations when booking the tour.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Bag for the Chocolate?

No, you don’t need to bring your own bag. The tour includes packaging for the chocolate you make during the experience. The guides will provide containers to safely transport your homemade chocolate treats.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Amount of Chocolate I Can Take Home?

There are no specific restrictions on the amount of chocolate visitors can take home from the tour. The tour provides an opportunity to experience the chocolate-making process and brings home as much or as little as desired.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size requirement. It’s a private group experience, so you can book it for your party size. The tour’s flexibility allows for a personalized chocolate-making adventure.

The Sum Up

The Bohol Chocolate Making and Farm Tour offers an immersive experience into the world of cacao cultivation and chocolate production. Visitors can witness the entire chocolate-making process, from harvesting cacao pods to tasting fresh fruit and tropical delights. With expert guidance and convenient transportation, this tour provides a delightful exploration of Bohol’s rich agricultural heritage, catering to both chocolate enthusiasts and those seeking an authentic cultural experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: