Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
What is Cocoa Tea?
With the rising popularity of the new Kes The Band song “Cocoa Tea,” I thought it was time to educate people about the cultural significance of the beverage.
Cocoa tea is more than just a beverage in Trinidad and Tobago; it symbolizes cultural heritage, family traditions, and the island’s deep connection to its cocoa industry. Made by boiling grated cocoa sticks with spices, sugar, and milk, this rich drink is enjoyed at breakfast or any time of the day. Its history and preparation reflect the creativity and resourcefulness of Trinibagonians.
The term “cocoa tea” can refer to hot chocolate made from powdered cocoa or the traditional method involving ground cocoa sticks mixed with spices. These cocoa sticks are carefully prepared by grinding cocoa beans, blending them with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and molding the mixture into small rolls or balls. Once dried, they’re grated into hot water or milk to create the iconic beverage.
Image Sourced: December 2024 https://eatahfoodtt.com/simplylocal/cocoa-tea/
The Process Behind the Flavor
People traditionally parched cocoa beans over a fire, husked them, and pounded them in a mortar called a pilón. This pilón, a symbol of tradition and cultural practices, played a crucial role in the cocoa processing. Bay leaves, cinnamon, and nutmeg enhanced the cocoa’s distinctive aroma and flavour. Families then sun-dried the chocolate balls, or piletas, ensuring they lasted long enough to provide tea for months after each harvest.
This labor-intensive process highlights how integral cocoa was to rural Trinidadian life. For many, cocoa tea represented comfort, nourishment, and community.
The first variety of cacao was planted in Trinidad by Spaniards in 1525 and was known as the Criollo. [This is a very high quality cocoa bean and is very aromatic and lacks bitterness].The cultivation of Cocoa, however, began in the 18th century with the establishment of Stollmeyer Cocoa Estate in the Santa Cruz Valley. It has since been rename to La Pastora Cocoa Estate. Source: Trinidad and Tobago National Library and Information Authority
Cultural Significance of Cocoa Tea
The preparation of cocoa tea reflects the agricultural roots of Trinidad, where cultivation thrived. Beyond being a source of income, cocoa was a way of life, bringing families together during the harvest season to produce this cherished drink. It’s a tradition passed down through generations, preserving a connection to Trinidad’s rich history.
Sourced 2024:https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Map-of-the-island-of-Trinidad-showing-the-distribution-of-cocoa-field-sites-where-P_fig2_239523383
In literature and oral history, cocoa tea appears as a marker of daily life and hospitality. The phrase “Mausi, you want some cocoa tea?” captures its role in familial care and shared moments.
Kes the Band’s Song “Cocoa Tea”
The cultural resonance of the tea extends beyond the kitchen and fields. Kes the Band, one of Trinidad’s most beloved soca bands, has celebrated this tradition in their song Cocoa Tea. The song captures the warmth and vibrancy associated with the drink, connecting it to themes of love and nostalgia.
When ah feeling under the weather
Kes The Band
You does make me feel sweet
I’s the cocoa tea, you’s the sugar
And together we are complete
In a live performance at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Kes the Band electrified the audience with this hit. They blended soca rhythms and heartfelt lyrics. Their performance brings the essence of soca to life, showcasing how cocoa tea continues to inspire art and culture.
Conclusion
Cocoa tea is more than a drink—it’s a representation of Trinidad and Tobago’s identity. From its artisanal preparation to its role in family gatherings, it remains a cherished tradition. Today, it continues to bridge generations and inspire creativity, as seen in Kes the Band’s music.
If you’re curious about this cultural icon, enjoy a live performance of Cocoa Tea by Kes the Band, recorded at The Fillmore. Let the music transport you to the heart of Trinidad, where every sip tells a story.
Source: Dictionary of the English/Creole of Trinidad by Lise Winer
Featured Image: AI Generated