175 years Lindt & Sprüngli

80 COCOA Emotion Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) grows up to 20 degrees of latitude north and south of the equator. The plant is a moisture-loving, evergreen tropical tree that needs shade. Its fruit grows directly on the tree trunk. It takes four to five months for a fruit to grow and another month to ripen. The pod starts off green and changes color when it is ripe. Three things cocoa needs to grow 1. Cocoa beans thrive best at high temperatures, with average tempera- tures of 18 to 21 °C being ideal. 2. Warmth and humid air are important for optimal development of the cocoa trees, so sufficient rain is the most important climatic factor. 3. Cocoa traditionally grows in the shade. Its natural environment is the Amazon rainforest, which provides natural shade with its dense tree population. Criollo The premium Criollo cocoa has its origins in Central America and is considered to be the finest cocoa. It is particularly valued for its fine flavors and low level of bitterness. It accounts for only 5% of global production. Trinitario Trinitario originates from the island of Trinidad and is a hybrid of Forastero and Criollo. Trinitario is another type of fine cocoa and is characterized by its strong cocoa taste and distinctive aromas. Forastero Forastero is an original type of co- coa from the Amazon rainforests. It is a consumer cocoa that is very high-yielding and resistant. Fora­ stero has a powerful cocoa taste and, at 95%, accounts for the largest share of the world’s production. Nacional The fine Nacional cocoa is a cross between Forastero, Criollo, and Trinitario. It boasts floral and in- tense cocoa flavors. The 4 cocoa varieties A well- Kept secret Lindt’s recipes use a spe- cial mix of fine and con- sumer cocoa beans which is a well-kept secret. But we will give you a little hint: Around 40% of all cocoa beans processed at Lindt are fine Criollo and Trinitario cocoa beans. an extraordinary plant The fruit grows directly on the trunk and can be between 10 and 40 cm long.