Posts by Jonathan Bonilla Cuesta

Top view of a delicious chocolate arrangement on dark fabric, highlighting the rich color and texture of Dominican cocoa

Feel Better and Snack Smarter with Cocoa

Ever wonder if chocolate can actually be good for you? You’re not alone. We hear about antioxidants and superfoods, but then see candy bars loaded[…]

Woman holding freshly harvested cocoa beans in her hands, showing the quality and texture of Dominican cocoa

Is There a Monopoly on Cocoa Beans?

Have you ever wondered why chocolate prices are so high? It’s a common question, especially when you see headlines about a “cocoa crisis.” You might[…]

Small wooden cocoa fermentation test box built by Jairo Bonilla Cuesta for micro-batch trials. Title

Mastering Flavor: A Guide to Cocoa Bean Processing

Have you ever struggled with flat or smoky flavors in your cocoa? You’re not alone. The choices you make right after harvest determine up to[…]

Jairo Bonilla Cuesta, farmer and co-founder of Santiago Cocoa, inspecting the health of a young cacao plant in the Dominican Republic

Where Do Cocoa Beans Come From? A Simple Guide

You love the taste of good chocolate, but what’s the story behind the bar? You may see words like “single-origin” or names of distant countries[…]

Jairo Bonilla, Head of Fermentation & Drying; Cultivation & Farmer Support at Santiago Cocoa (Dominican Republic)

Buy Wholesale Cocoa Beans in the USA: A Practical Guide

A Simple 10-Step Sourcing Guide for Chocolatiers Sourcing wholesale cocoa beans can feel like a complex puzzle. You need quality beans at a fair price[…]