San Ignacio: AJAW Chocolate
This company offers a great informational and interactional presentation on the origins of chocolate with examples and tastings of the various stages of chocolate, from bean, to nib and Mayan hot chocolate. Prior to the class we had a very rudimentary knowledge of chocolate. I was surprised at how thoroughly I enjoyed the experience and would recommend.
AJAW Chocolate is located a short walk uphill from the market and old downtown of San Ignacio. We were able to drop in for a class without reservations. We lucked out on our arrival as a class was just about to start with about 10 participants in total.
Class takes place in vibrant green room, lead by enthusiastic and passionate instructors. During class we were able to grind the roasted “beans” of chocolate on traditional grinding stones. It takes quite awhile to grind into a smooth pure 100% chocolate paste. It does not taste anything like chocolate from a store. At all. And I like really dark chocolate. From there we made our chocolate into hot chocolate, starting with the addition of water only, and from there adding honey and various spices.
There is a small shop attached where you can buy products ranging from nibs, chocolate bars to truffle style chocolates. We bought nibs to bring home and they are fun to munch on now and again. Bonus, they last a very long time and are a fun and tasty reminder of Belize!
Good Spot For A Sandwich 
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