Papua New Guinea Markham

Region and Country

Markham District, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea

Story

The Markham River valley is a wide, sparsely populated area that encompasses a considerable amount of level agricultural land in the lower reaches. Once an area exclusively dedicated to cocoa plantations, it has also been developed for peanut cultivation and cattle farming.

Markham Organic Cocoa organizes exports for smallholder cocoa and coffee farmers in the area. The  producers cultivate organic cocoa by default but are not certified by an official body. There are 35 small local fermentaries to which these farmers are affiliated.

By exporting through Markham Organic, farmers share directly in the profits of their sales without going through middlemen. The first overseas export ever of these farmers was purchased by Daarnhouwer and was widely covered by local media as an example of how farmers can improve their income by becoming a part of local farmer organizations.

Harvest

April – July (main harvest) October – December (mid-crop)

Genetics

SG2 and Tokiala hybrids which contain Upper Amazonian and Trinitario genetics

Post Harvesting Process

Central fermentation in tiered wooden boxes during 5 to 6 days; turned every 24 hours. Solar drying is done on raised tables or on drying beds with hot air which are controlled to prevent smoke taint.

Flavour

Medium body with strong notes of fruit and oak wood with slight vanilla and a strong nutty finish.