We’re thrilled to share that after a thorough inspection by the appropriate authorities in Belize, Finca Chocolat has officially been approved to begin distilling Lemongrass oil onsite! 🌿✨
Sustainable Agriculture in Action: Growing Lemongrass Under Hardwood Trees
At Finca Chocolat, we’re always looking for ways to maximize land use while maintaining a healthy, regenerative ecosystem. Our lemongrass is grown beneath our hardwood trees, taking advantage of the natural shade and moisture retention provided by the tree canopy.
This approach offers several benefits:
🌱 Efficient Land Use – By cultivating lemongrass in the understory of our hardwood trees, we make the most of every acre, increasing productivity without expanding our footprint.
🌍 Soil Health & Erosion Control – Lemongrass has deep roots that help stabilize the soil, reduce erosion, and improve overall soil health.
🐛 Natural Pest Control – The strong citrus scent of lemongrass acts as a natural repellent for certain pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
Why Lemongrass Oil?
Lemongrass isn’t just a fast-growing, eco-friendly crop—it’s also highly valued for its essential oils, used in aromatherapy, natural remedies, and eco-friendly insect repellents. By distilling onsite, we ensure the highest quality, freshness, and sustainability while reducing the carbon footprint of transporting raw materials.
What’s Next?
With this approval, we’re ready to begin:
🔹 Harvesting fresh lemongrass at peak potency
🔹 Distilling the oil onsite to retain its rich aroma and therapeutic properties
🔹 Exploring partnerships with businesses looking for premium, sustainably produced essential oils
This milestone is another step toward diversifying our farm’s offerings and furthering our commitment to regenerative, high-value agriculture. Stay tuned as we begin production—we can’t wait to share the results! 🌱💚