I was curious. I know France's overseas departments include French Guiana, which is part of the EU. There is native cacao in FG. Using Google Translate of https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guiana_(cacao) :
> Genetically, they differ significantly from other cocoa trees in that in the Quaternary, after a period of global warming, the Amazon rainforest remained only patches of humid forest separated by large expanses of dry savannah . In one of these islands of humid forest in the south-east of French Guiana , cocoa trees have survived, which, being isolated from other cocoa trees, have evolved differently
I found one chocolate production facility in FG - http://walapulu.fr/ - "WALAPULU @ CACAO ET CHOCOLAT DE GUYANE FRANCAISE". Last updated 6 years ago so perhaps no longer in business?
https://cheeseweb.eu/2015/09/french-guiana-cacao-market-boat... comments "Sadly, however, French Guiana’s Cacao de Rivière does not yield the delicious Belgian chocolate we know and love." Elsewhere comments mostly that FG cacao might be a source for disease resistant strains.
Anyone else know where cacao might be grown in the EU?
I used to shop every day at WFM back east. I also used to eat about 400g of El Rey Caoba every time I shopped. Not good for my weight, but I was a pretty serious triathlete most of that time.
If you’re ever in Austin, El Rey’s only US location is a tasting room in Stonewall, TX, out on 290 just before Fredericksburg, near all of the little hill country wineries that sure do try.
Highly, highly recommended.