I have to admit that I eat more of this bar than any of the others. I taste a lot to check for quality as I work, but this one I eat just for the fun of it.
Partly because I love the story of the bar (more on that below) and partly because the citrus-y cardamom flavour and slight crunch from the added nibs is just so, well, moreish.
The little chunks of added nibs are visible on the top of the bar —you can see it on the bar below—and the mouth texture and slight tang of them adds a lot.
What is the back story on this bar I mentioned above?
A few years ago, on a fun trip to the indigenous Q'eqchi Mayan community who grow the beans in Guatemala, the day was going in a fun and goofy way.
At some point, I noticed they kept saying the word "ch'abil" over and over while laughing. Intrigued, and maybe a little self conscious that it was directed at me, I asked them to translate it for me. Apparently it means "goofy, funny, fun, happy, nice" in Q'eqchi Mayan.
I loved the word right away and told them that the next bar I made with their beans I would name in honour of that day.
A little while later I learned that they were growing cardamom in the area under the cocoa trees as a secondary crop, so I decided to buy some and combined it with their cocoa beans.
Thus, the Ch'abil bar was born.
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I'm going to let slip a secret here with you all: there's one bar in our lineup that I consistently find myself reaching for, even when I'm not "officially" taste-testing for quality. While quality checks are a crucial part of my day (and believe me, I sample a lot!), this particular bar I devour purely for the joy of it.
There are a couple of reasons for this little indulgence. Firstly, the story behind it just makes me smile (and I'm excited to share it with you below). But equally important is the flavour profile: a bright, citrusy dance with warm cardamom, all punctuated by a satisfying little crunch from the added cocoa nibs. It's simply… moreish. That's the best word for it. You take a bite, and you just want another.
You can even see those delightful little nib chunks scattered across the top of the bar – take a look at the photo (above). They aren't just for show though; the subtle textural contrast and their slightly tangy, intensely chocolatey flavour really elevate the whole experience. The contrast between the smooth chocolate and crunch of nib helps too.
So, what's the backstory that makes this bar so special to me? It all goes back to a wonderful trip I took a few years ago to visit the indigenous Q'eqchi Mayan community in Guatemala, the very people who cultivate the incredible cocoa beans we use to make this bar.
The whole day was filled with laughter and lighthearted moments. At one point, I kept hearing the word "ch'abil" being repeated amongst them, often accompanied by smiles and chuckles. Naturally, my curiosity (and perhaps a touch of self-consciousness wondering if I was the source of the amusement!) got the better of me, and I asked for a translation. I was told that "ch'abil" in Q'eqchi Mayan means something like "goofy, funny, fun, happy, nice."
I instantly fell in love with the word. It perfectly captured the spirit of that day, and I made a mental note right then and there: the next bar I created with their exceptional beans would be named in honour of that joyful word.
As fate would have it, I later learned that the community also cultivates cardamom as a secondary crop, grown in the shade beneath their cocoa trees. It felt like a perfect pairing. I sourced some of their fragrant cardamom and combined it with their vibrant cocoa beans.
And that, my friends, is how our "Ch'abil" bar came to be. It's a little piece of a happy memory, infused with delicious flavours and a touch of delightful crunch. Every time I eat it, I'm reminded of the warmth and good humour of the Q'eqchi Mayan community.
I genuinely hope you enjoy this bar as much as I do. It's more than just chocolate; it's a little story, a burst of flavour, and a reminder of the wonderful connections that lie at the heart of what we do. Go ahead, give our "Ch'abil" bar a try – I have a feeling it might just bring a little "goofy, funny, fun, happy, nice" into your day too!