Earl Grey

Raaka is a craft bean to bar maker operating out of Red Hook, Brooklyn. They are widely recognized for their unroasted philosophy, which focuses on preserving the bold, fruity, and acidic qualities of cacao that are often muted during traditional roasting. This 50 gram bar, titled Earl Grey, exemplifies their commitment to high quality ingredients and innovative flavor pairings by using a 70 percent dark chocolate base crafted from scratch.

The sensory experience of this bar is defined by its bright and floral nature. By using a melanger for refining and skipping the roasting step, the chocolate retains the vibrant, raw personality of the Tanzanian beans. The addition of organic Earl Grey tea, composed of premium black tea and cold-pressed bergamot oil, complements the cacao with distinct citrusy notes. The resulting profile is intense yet balanced, offering a smooth melt without the use of lecithin or vanillin.

Sourcing for this bar centers on Mbingu Village within the Kilombero Valley of Tanzania. The cacao is sourced via Kokoa Kamili, an organization celebrated for its meticulous post-harvest processing where beans undergo a six day fermentation in wooden boxes followed by sun drying on raised beds. This dedication to craft is matched by a rigorous set of certifications, as the bar is organic, vegan, and non-GMO project verified.