Cacao Chuncho ‘señorita’, an ancestral variety, from cacao grower José Tupayachi.

I+A:FOOD

Theobromas

The project focuses on researching and developing sustainable products from Theobroma species and their by-products, fully utilizing all parts of the fruit to promote innovation and local development.

location

Casa Tupac

Barranco, Lima

EXECUTION

From 2013

to date

Mater Team

Bernabé Simón
Nilver Melgarejo
Mimi Hengelhaupt
Ariadna Oliveri

Collaborators

Pumatiy Producers
Paititi Producers

location

Casa Tupac

Barranco, Lima

EXECUTION

From 2013

to date

Mater Team

Bernabé Simón
Nilver Melgarejo
Mimi Hengelhaupt
Ariadna Oliveri

Collaborators

Pumatiy Producers
Paititi Producers

Focus

The project focuses on the research and development of methodologies and new products related to several species of Theobroma: Theobroma cacao L., Theobroma bicolor, and Theobroma grandiflorum, as well as new ones to be identified, along with their by-products. The objective is to make use of all parts of the fruits, including pods, veins, shells, leaves, and flowers. This comprehensive search not only positively impacts the environment but also contributes to the local economy, territorial development, and the technification of the involved producers.

Harvested cacao pods of the Chuncho 'señorita' variety at varying ripeness (yellow, orange and one green), La Convención, 2024.
Harvested cacao pods of the Chuncho 'señorita' variety at varying ripeness (yellow, orange and one green), La Convención, 2024.
Black-and-white photo of Theobroma expert Nilver Melgarejo in La Convención, documented by Camila Novoa for Mater Iniciativa.

Research and development of methodologies and products related to the Theobroma family and its byproducts, utilizing all parts of the fruits to create a positive impact on the environment, the local economy, and territorial development.

Theobroma subincanum pods growing directly on a mossy tree trunk in the Madre de Dios region, Peru. Documented by Jonas Monge for Mater Iniciativa, 2024.
The pale fibrous inner column (placenta) of a cacao pod arranged in a star pattern on black silk, for an exhibit on Theobroma anatomy at Casa Tupac, Barranco, Lima. Documented by Camila Novoa for Mater Iniciativa, 2024.
Green chocolate bars made using the cacao leaf and the whole fruit, with macambo butter; flavour profile similar to matcha.

Barras de chocolate verde elaboradas con la hoja de cacao y el fruto entero, con manteca de macambo; su perfil de sabor es similar al matcha.

Transdisciplinarity

The project aims to create a network that integrates diverse perspectives and disciplines, from gastronomy to science, anthropology, and art, to fully leverage the resources of Theobromas.

The active participation of producers is crucial in this value chain, as their local knowledge is essential for developing sustainable and efficient practices for the local environment.

Close-up of a macambo (Theobroma bicolor) from Hacienda Herrera, Madre de Dios region.
A single Theobroma grandiflorum on a neutral background.

Theobroma grandiflorum

Through the formation of a network that integrates diverse perspectives and disciplines, ranging from gastronomy to science, anthropology, and art, several fundamental milestones are proposed:

Determine and characterize the proximal and phytochemical composition of each part of the theobromas, in order to understand their internal structure.

Evaluate the safety and innocuity for human consumption of each input researched.

Design and develop new products from the three theobromas, aimed at both the gastronomic sector and industrial production.

Explore new non-edible uses of the inputs provided by the theobromas, such as in biomaterials and artistic disciplines.

Disseminate the knowledge generated through audiovisual supports, infographics, samples, exhibitions, and the publication of scientific articles.

A single Theobroma bicolor (macambo) pod with its distinctive green-and-tan ridged, net-patterned rind, on a neutral background.

Theobroma bicolor

A preparation of confited fermented Chuncho cacao exocarp and cherelle-wilt (stunted) pods, made for Central restaurant. Ceramic by Null Lab for Central.

MATER

Transdisciplinary research center that studies, interprets, preserves, and disseminates knowledge of the Peruvian territory. Created by Malena Martínez, Virgilio Martínez, and Pía León.

CONTACT

Copyright © 2024 Mater

MATER

Transdisciplinary research center that studies, interprets, preserves, and disseminates knowledge of the Peruvian territory. Created by Malena Martínez, Virgilio Martínez, and Pía León.

CONTACT

Copyright © 2024 Mater