OUR HEART PROJECT COSTA RICA
According to a British study, the happiest people live in Costa Rica. No wonder, given the overwhelming beauty of nature - from majestic volcanoes to unique plant worlds. Our heart also beats for this country. We have been cultivating our own fine flavour cocoa plantation Tres Equis - Finca de Cacao in Costa Rica since 2014.
Costa Rica's breathtaking landscape, lush vegetation and fertile soil provide the perfect conditions for growing fine flavour cocoa. The feeling of walking through the plantation and seeing the cocoa trees in their full splendor is indescribable. Here you can feel the deep connection to nature and the respect we have for it.
Robert Rausch and our cocoa expert Dr. Christina Rohsius share the story of how Rausch came to Costa Rica and the motivation behind the establishment of the plantation.
Cocoa cultivation in Costa Rica
Robert Rausch and our cocoa expert Dr. Christina Rohsius talk about how Rausch came to Costa Rica and the motivation behind the establishment of the plantation.
VISION BECOMES REALITY
The desire to have our own plantation gave rise to the >Tres Equis - Finca de Cacao< fine flavour cocoa plantation in Costa Rica in 2014. This project makes it possible to cultivate the best fine flavour cocoa directly on site and to control the entire value chain in order to guarantee the highest quality and sustainability.
START OF REFORESTATION
On our fine flavour cocoa plantation, we have shown that sustainable cocoa can also be grown on depleted soils. We opted for pastureland that is no longer farmed, is compacted by the hooves of horses or cattle and is poor in nutrients and species. In total, we have planted over 37 different species, which have turned the pasture areas into a diverse, species-rich agroforestry system.
RAUSCH INSTITUTE
In summer 2019, five recycled sea freight containers were converted into a self-sufficient, environmentally friendly and mobile fine flavour cocoa institute on our estate in Costa Rica together with our cooperation partner. These containers provide an ideal working and training location for our team, young researchers and partners. The electricity required is 100% self-generated on site. Thanks to the compact and functional design, sustainable methods in cocoa cultivation can be developed and researched together.
POST-HARVEST WITH SOLAR
Our solar-powered facility offers ideal conditions for the cultivation and processing of fine flavour cocoa. From delivery, fermentation and drying to packaging and storage, everything can be handled on site. The post-harvest station consists of two areas:
Fermentation plant: Our fermentation boxes, arranged in a staircase, enable optimum turning of the fine flavour cocoa seeds.
Drying: Various drying methods are combined using sliding roofs and stored solar energy to achieve the best possible results.
FROM COSTA RICA TO GERMANY
A cocoa tree needs 3-5 years before it bears fruit for the first time. In summer 2020, our first small harvest was shipped from Costa Rica to Hamburg in recycled sea freight containers. Full-scale exports then began in 2021. Our fine flavour cocoa is transported to Germany in environmentally friendly jute bags and undergoes further quality testing on site before it is processed.
2022
Climate neutrality
Our processes are being verified as climate-neutral for the first time - an important milestone for the project and confirmation of our sustainable commitment on site.
Research in 'Tres Equis'
Since 2021, we have regularly welcomed students and scientists from universities and research institutions from all over the world to our institute. Together, we conduct studies to explore the behavior of our fine flavor cocoa varieties in cultivation and post-harvest management - always with a special focus on climatic changes and sustainable practices. And crucially, without compromising on raw cocoa quality.
AFFORESTATION OF PASTURELAND
The planting of helper plants has turned grassland into a diverse plantation with many plant and animal species. In total, we have grown over 150,000 shade trees and plants. These include various precious woods and fruit plants such as banana, grapefruit, guava, papaya and many more.
Before
Afterwards
Our team on site
Dr. Elsa Hegmann
"Hello, I'm Dr. Elsa Hegmann - cocoa expert and biologist. I run the fine flavour cocoa institute here in Costa Rica and am responsible for post-harvest management and quality testing of our fine flavour cocoa batches. I also collect important field data in our agroforestry systems. Together with Dr. Christina Rohsius we develop international research projects."
Edward Pérez & Team
This is our great team at 'Tres Equis - Finca de Cacao' in Costa Rica! Every day, our foreman Edward Pérez and 6 field workers look after the well-being of our fine flavour cacao trees. As they grow in various mixed systems, they also look after the shade trees and maintain soil fertility by applying organic fertilizer. Two other employees carry out the post-harvest processes and prepare the fine flavour cocoa beans for export.
Dr. Elsa Hegmann
"Hello, I'm Dr. Elsa Hegmann - cocoa expert and biologist. I run the fine flavour cocoa institute here in Costa Rica and am responsible for post-harvest management and quality testing of our fine flavour cocoa batches. I also collect important field data in our agroforestry systems. Together with Dr. Christina Rohsius we develop international research projects."
Edward Pérez & Team
This is our great team at 'Tres Equis - Finca de Cacao' in Costa Rica! Every day, our foreman Edward Pérez and 6 field workers look after the well-being of our fine flavour cacao trees. As they grow in various mixed systems, they also look after the shade trees and maintain soil fertility by applying organic fertilizer. Two other employees carry out the post-harvest processes and prepare the fine flavour cocoa beans for export.
Inhabitants of the fine flavour cocoa plantation
SLOTH
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with over 500,000 different animal species living in the tropical forests - including on our fine flavour cocoa plantation.
Sloths spend most of their lives in the branches, where they feed on leaves and fruit. Their slow metabolism allows them to go for long periods without food, and their thick fur provides protection from the elements. The presence of these charming creatures contributes to the stunning biodiversity on our plantation and reminds us of the importance of preserving these unique habitats.
These pictures, taken by our team on site, show the beauty and serenity of the animals in their natural environment.
WHITE-HEADED MONKEY
One of the most fascinating inhabitants is the white-headed monkey. These lively and intelligent primates are an important part of our plantation's diverse wildlife.
White-headed monkeys are known for their curious and playful nature. They move skillfully through the treetops, always on the lookout for food such as fruit, insects and small vertebrates. Their social structures are complex, and they live in groups characterized by close bonds and strong communication.
These impressive animals contribute to the biodiversity of our plantation and are a sign of the health of the ecosystem. The protection and preservation of their natural habitat is of utmost importance to us.
COLIBRI
Hummingbirds are known for their dazzling colors and incredible flying ability. With their rapid wing beats, they can hover in the air, fly backwards and flit from flower to flower at lightning speed to drink nectar. Their high energy requirements and precision in flight make them fascinating creatures that are always on the move.
On our plantation, hummingbirds contribute to the pollination of many plants and play an important role in the ecological balance. Their presence is a sign of the health and diversity of the habitat. The protection of these little jewels of nature is particularly important to us.
FALSE CORAL SNAKE
One of its remarkable inhabitants is the Corallus Falsus, also known as the false coral otter. It is known for its bright colors and its resemblance to the venomous coral viper, which has earned it the name "false coral viper". Despite its menacing appearance, it is non-poisonous and poses no danger to humans. Their magnificent colors and lithe physique make them an impressive sight in tropical forests.
These snakes are skillful hunters and feed mainly on small mammals, birds and other small animals. Their ability to move skillfully through the dense undergrowth helps to maintain the ecological balance on our plantation.
Ocelot
One of the majestic inhabitants of our plantation is the ocelot. This impressive feline predator is known for its striking fur pattern, which gives it a distinctive and unmistakable appearance. With its large, expressive eyes and smooth movements, the ocelot is a fascinating sight and a real feast for the eyes of nature watchers. Their diet includes a variety of animals, including small mammals, birds and reptiles. This diverse diet helps to maintain the ecological balance in their habitat.
Another remarkable feature of the ocelot is its adaptability to different habitats. It can be found in dense forests, but also in open grasslands and scrub areas. This adaptability allows it to survive and thrive in different parts of Costa Rica.
Praying mantis
The Mantis Religiosa, commonly known as the praying mantis, is a fascinating insect found in tropical and temperate regions around the world. It belongs to the mantis order (Mantodea) and is famous for its characteristic posture and predatory behavior.
Another remarkable feature of the praying mantis is its mating behavior. During mating, the female may eat the male, a phenomenon known as sexual cannibalism. However, this behavior is not observed in all species.
It plays an important role in the ecosystem by helping to control pest populations.
NEWS FROM COSTA RICA
The year 2023 was particularly challenging for us on our plantation. The climate crisis is also making itself felt here - harvest cycles are shifting and pests are on the rise. There was an unusually high amount of rain this year in normally dry months, which delayed the flowering and fruit set of our fine flavour cocoa trees.
These effects present us with challenges that we are tackling with a scientific approach. A major research project has just been completed, in which the growth and survival curves of our cocoa fruits were examined over a period of months.
THE BEST COCOA IN COSTA RICA
Our own fine flavour cocoa plantation 'Tres Equis - Finca de Cacao' in Costa Rica wins the Cacao of Excellence Award 2023.
The Cacao of Excellence Award gives global recognition to producers and honors the diversity of flavours in cocoa like no other. In the next round, a jury of experts will evaluate all the raw cocoa samples nominated worldwide from a sensory perspective and will then award prizes to the best of the best in Paris.
We won the pre-selection and qualified with the fine flavour cocoa from our plantation in Costa Rica. The decisive factor is the aroma profile of the cocoa mass, which is analyzed and evaluated by a panel of experts. Our fine flavour cocoa was unanimously convincing.
We are happy and proud of this success and treat ourselves to a piece of 'Costa Rica 84%' to celebrate. 'Costa Rica 84 %' to celebrate.
DIRECTLY FROM OUR FINE FLAVOUR COCOA PLANTATION
Dark fine cocoa chocolate in its purest form made from cocoa and cane sugar.
›Rausch Plantagen Costa Rica 84 % Cuvée Prestige‹
