What is Koko Samoa?
“Koko Samoa” is a traditional Samoan hot beverage that has become an integral part of Samoan culture and lifestyle over many generations. Much like other traditional foods, it is considered a national drink in Samoa. When visiting family or friends in Samoa, it’s common to be welcomed with a warm cup of Koko Samoa, symbolizing hospitality and community.
Many Samoan families grow their own cacao trees to make Koko Samoa for personal use. An ingenious method to protect the cacao trees involves planting them in the shade of larger coconut trees. The coconut husks that fall around the cacao tree enrich the soil with nutrients while the tree itself provides some protection from the elements.
How is Koko Samoa Made?
The process of making Koko Samoa is as cherished as the drink itself, often evoking nostalgia for the traditional ways of preparation. When the cacao pods are ripe, families pick them from the trees during cacao harvesting season. The seeds are cleaned, with the surrounding pulp sometimes enjoyed as a sweet treat. The beans are then fermented, processed, and sun-dried for storage.
Next, the cacao beans are roasted over an open fire, typically on a hot metal plate. This part of the process is a communal event, where people gather around the fire, share stories, and enjoy each other's company.
Once roasted, the husks are discarded, and the warm beans are ground into a paste using a wooden mortar. This paste is then mixed with warm water, boiled in a kettle, and sweetened to taste before being served to guests and family members.
Oral traditions suggest that “Koko Samoa” was introduced to Samoa from Peru by early Samoan navigators around 700 AD. The first documented appearance of cacao in Samoa occurred in 1883, when German planters introduced the Criollo subspecies, followed later by the Forastero subspecies. The hybrid offspring of these plants, known in the cacao trade as “Samoan Trinitario,” is locally referred to as “Koko Samoa.”
Is Koko Samoa Healthy?
Some of the world’s rarest cacao is found in the Pacific islands, and it is this cacao that gives Samoan cacao its premium quality. Grown in the nutrient-rich volcanic soil of Samoa, Koko Samoa is packed with Magnesium and other essential nutrients. In its raw, uncooked form, cacao is considered a superfood. This makes Koko Samoa not only a delicious beverage but also a product that your body will love.
If you’re interested in experiencing the rich flavor and health benefits of Koko Samoa, explore our selection of premium cacao products, crafted with care from the finest Samoan cacao beans.