Rugoso 75%

ZOTO is a Belgian bean to bar maker distinguished by a meticulous, technical approach to chocolate creation. Based in Belgium, this artisan producer focuses on highlighting the genetic potential of specific cacao varieties through precise, data driven processing. This 45 gram bar features the Rugoso variety, a specific cacao harvested in 2017 from the lush Northern mountains of Nicaragua.

The profile of this dark chocolate is complex and deep, characterized by a 75 percent cacao concentration. The maker employs a 48 hour grinding process and a controlled roast at 130 degrees Celsius for 18 minutes to coax out a sophisticated flavor spectrum. Tasters will find notes of dark berries and succulent plum balanced by the rich sweetness of molasses. A creamy hazelnut paste finish is complemented by an unusual, intriguing hint of hop. This technical mastery earned the bar a Bronze award at the International Chocolate Awards Europe in 2018.

Transparency and craftsmanship define the sourcing and post-harvest treatment of these rare beans. The Rugoso cacao undergoes a rigorous five day box fermentation with two turns, followed by a seven day sun drying period on traditional wooden platforms. The ingredient list remains minimalist, containing only cacao beans, organic cane sugar, and cocoa butter. This dedication to the chemistry of flavor ensures a pure expression of the Nicaraguan terroir while maintaining a low cadmium level of 0.17 mg/kg.