Limited Release, Malekula Island

Malekula Island is a Limited Release single-origin dark chocolate bar from Goodnow Farms, crafted from old-growth Amelonado cacao that grows wild on Malekula Island in Vanuatu. The beans are harvested by farmers in Pinalum village and post-processed by local husband-and-wife team Roy and Lily Buktan, then carefully fermented and dried before shipping by barge to Efate.

At a glance

• Vendor: Goodnow Farms Chocolate
• Style: Single-origin Limited Release dark chocolate
• Origin: Pinalum village, Malekula Island, Vanuatu (South Pacific)
• Genetics: Amelonado, introduced in the 1800s and grown wild under coconut shade
• Harvest window: April through August
• Post-harvest: Fermented and dried by Roy and Lily Buktan
• Sourcing partner: Cacao geneticist Dan O'Doherty
• Context: Vanuatu has held the #1 spot on the Happy Planet Index since 2019

Best for

• Single-origin chocolate collectors
• Bean-to-bar tasting flights
• Memorable gifts for serious chocolate fans
• Pairing with dessert wines and rums
• Special-occasion sharing
• Anyone curious about Pacific island cacao

Flavor profile

• Creamy, malty vanilla cocoa notes
• Hints of nuts
• Sweet candied papaya
• Smooth, rich finish

Pairings

• Aged dark rum or coconut rum
• Espresso or cold brew coffee
• Tropical fruit such as papaya, mango, or pineapple
• Toasted macadamia nuts and shaved coconut
• Vanilla bean ice cream

About Goodnow Farms Chocolate

Goodnow Farms is a Massachusetts bean-to-bar maker that sources cacao directly from farmers, presses its own single-origin cocoa butter, and partners with global producers to release small-batch, origin-driven bars.