Volcanic Soils and the Flavour of Cacao
When we think about chocolate, we often think of sweetness, richness, or indulgence. But before any of these come to life, there is soil. For cacao, soil is the beginning of everything, and some of the most extraordinary cacao in the world comes from volcanic soils.
This September, our Earth Subscription Box includes a bar that embodies this story (and our best selling bar): the El Salvador Hacienda La Carrera 70%, grown on land shaped by volcanoes.
What Makes Volcanic Soil Special?
Volcanic soils, also called andisols (derived from the Japanese words for dark-coloured soil), are formed from ash and lava deposits. Over time, these break down into soils that are:
Mineral-rich - packed with nutrients like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Moisture-retentive - volcanic soils hold water without becoming waterlogged, creating a steady supply of hydration.
Well-draining - essential for cacao, which thrives in soils that balance water with aeration.
For cacao trees, these conditions are close to perfect: fertile, well-structured soils that encourage deep root systems and healthy growth.
Volcanic Landscapes in El Salvador
El Salvador is known as the “Land of Volcanoes” - with more than 20 active and dormant volcanoes which are part of the Central America Volcanic Arc. Cacao has grown here for centuries, nurtured by these volcanic terrains.
On farms like Hacienda La Carrera, cacao trees grow in soils enriched by ancient eruptions. These soils give the beans a unique terroir: a flavour shaped not just by climate, but by the very geology beneath the trees.
How Soil Shapes Flavour
Nutrient & Mineral Richness:
Volcanic soils are exceptionally fertile and rich in minerals, which are absorbed by the cacao tree and contribute to the unique chemical makeup of the bean.
Genetic Expression:
The soil composition affects the nutrients available to the cacao plants, influencing their growth and the expression of their genetic potential, which directly impacts the flavour of the beans.
Specific Flavor Notes:
Depending on the specific volcanic composition, different regions develop distinct flavours.
Distinct "Terroir":
The combination of volcanic soil with local climate and other environmental factors creates a unique terroir, similar to how wine grapes reflect their vineyard's environment.
The Earth Beneath Every Bar
Choosing chocolate like this isn’t just about tasting something delicious, it’s about connecting to the landscapes that make it possible. Volcanic soils in El Salvador support cacao farming communities, providing fertile ground that sustains families while shaping the chocolate we love.
By including the El Salvador Hacienda La Carrera in our Earth Box, we invite you to taste not just cacao, but the story of soil, volcanoes, and roots.
✨ So next time you break off a piece of this bar, pause for a moment. You’re tasting the richness of volcanic earth, transformed by sun, rain, and time into chocolate. ✨
Further Reading & Sources
Perfect Daily Grind – How volcanic soil affects the flavour of coffee and cacao
