Organic Chocolate Chips and Organic Chocolate Wholesale Supply
The cacao fruit tree is the first step in making organic chocolate. It is a unique plant that does well in rural areas. Most of the cacao we use at Santa Barbara Chocolate comes from small family farms in these distant areas. For many farmers, the cacao fruit tree is an everyday thing because it grows right next to their homes. This close connection allows them to monitor the trees with care, ensuring that the cacao is cultivated in harmony with nature.
However for cacao to be considered organic, it must meet strict standards set by certifying authorities like the USDA. Certification as organic goes beyond natural growth; it includes thorough checks and documentation to make sure all the rules are followed.
The Process of Organic Certification
Getting certified as organic means more than just growing cacao without using pesticides or artificial fertilizers. It requires a thorough examination of the environment where the cacao fruit tree grows. The USDA mandates that an authorized organic inspector visit each farm to assess conditions such as soil health and water runoff. For the cacao fruit tree to be free of contaminants, soil testing and cultivation records must be kept.
This meticulous process is especially challenging for small family farms in remote areas. While these farms may grow cacao in natural, untouched environments, they often lack the infrastructure to document their practices and undergo inspections. Even if it meets natural growth standards, their cacao cannot be certified organic without these measures.
Organic Cacao and Larger Farms
Due to the complexity of organic certification, much of the certified organic cacao comes from larger farms. These farms manage extensive growing areas, ensuring that the land around the cacao fruit tree is controlled and free from potential contaminants. They maintain detailed records of irrigation, soil conditions, and every step of the growing process.
For example, a cacao fruit tree growing untouched in a dense jungle may seem inherently organic. However, without formal testing and an audit trail, it cannot be labeled as USDA-certified organic. Certification assures that every stage of the process is verifiable, so giving consumers confidence in the organic label.
Certified Organic Chocolate at Santa Barbara Chocolate
At Santa Barbara Chocolate, we pride ourselves on offering certified organic chocolates that meet USDA standards. The organic chocolates on our website have the USDA Organic logo on them, and meet the strict standards needed to be certified. This means the cacao fruit tree was cultivated under controlled conditions with every aspect of its growth and processing documented and audited.
Certified organic chocolate supports ethical farming and environmental health as well as premium taste. Our organic chocolates meet these high standards, ensuring quality and authenticity.
Organic chocolate represents a harmonious blend of natural growth and meticulous care. From the cacao fruit tree to the finished product, every step of the process reflects a commitment to quality and sustainability. Whether grown on a small farm or a larger estate, certified organic cacao ensures that your chocolate meets the highest standards. At Santa Barbara Chocolate, we're proud to offer chocolates that show this commitment, giving you tasty treats that were made with honesty.