Peruvian chocolate production has enjoyed a growing international reputation in recent years. One of the rarest chocolates in the world, believed to be extinct nearly a century ago, its reputation is currently at a peak. Although, this is not the first time that Peru has caught the attention of the most distinguished chefs, even the famous Anthony Bourdain filmed an episode to find out all about these rare cocoa beans and create a fair trade chain with the best chocolate in the world.
Ernst Knam arrived in Peru a few days ago and began his tour in Tarapoto, in the San Martín region, visiting the Tropical Crops Institute, as well as some cooperatives and chocolate factories, including the prized Tesoro Amazónico chocolate. This company, founded through the intuition of two Italian friends, fully respects the spirit of Peru's superfoods: products created by a great territorial biodiversity, with innovative and sustainable production systems.
After this first experience among the flowery landscapes of San Martín, the journey will continue towards the capital. The renowned pastry chef will immerse himself in the authentic atmosphere of the city of Lima, visiting some districts such as Miraflores and Barranco. He will also visit Virgilio Martínez's Central and Mitsuharu Tsumura's Maido restaurants, both of which are among the top 50 restaurants in Latin America.
Knam will also visit the Cusco region, a combination of fertile valleys and imposing mountains, where he will visit and perform tasting sessions at cocoa plantations, before going on to Mil - Virgilio Martínez's new restaurant and laboratory, dedicated to the themes and people of Moray, a true journey to Peru through its most authentic and unknown flavors.
The journey of the master chocolate maker will end with a visit to Machu Picchu, a Peruvian archaeological symbol, which will allow him to see how the current raw materials have a foundation in the roots and traditions of ancient Peru.
It should be noted that this trip was carried out with the support of the Peruvian Export and Tourism Promotion Commission - PROMPERÚ and the Peruvian Trade Office Abroad (OCEX) in Milan, seeking to promote this important sustainable raw material and encourage the development of local products and the Peruvian Amazon.