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Discover the story and flavour of cocoa in La Alpujarra. Listen to the full guide or visit us in Pampaneira.
Approximate duration: 4 minutes.
Welcome to Abuela Ili Chocolates, here in the heart of La Alpujarra. You are about to discover our small museum and workshop, where chocolate is still made in an entirely artisanal way. For us, chocolate is more than a sweet—it is tradition, patience, and craftsmanship. Every tablet, every truffle, every aroma you’ll find here tells a story created with love and respect for the cocoa bean.
The story of Abuela Ili begins in 1999, when Lidia—known affectionately as “Ili”—and her son Mauricio opened their first little chocolate shop in the village of Laroles. From the start, they shared a dream: to make real chocolate, using quality cocoa, with recipes created by hand and heart. Over time, the business grew, and after Lidia passed away, Mauricio renamed the brand Abuela Ili Chocolates in her memory—a tribute to her dedication and her warmth. Today, the workshop is in Pampaneira, one of the most beautiful villages of La Alpujarra, where visitors can watch how chocolate is made step by step. Here, tradition and innovation blend to create flavours that surprise and delight.
To make good chocolate, you need good cocoa. We work with carefully selected beans from Ghana, Ivory Coast, Colombia, and Ecuador. The cocoa arrives as beans, which are roasted to release their aroma, then ground to obtain cocoa paste. That paste is refined, conched, and tempered—a process that gives the chocolate its smooth texture and shiny finish. Finally, each piece is poured, cooled, and wrapped by hand. Nothing is rushed. The goal is to preserve the soul of artisanal work, where the hands and senses of the chocolatier make all the difference.
Among our most beloved creations are the higos rellenos—dried figs filled with almonds and coated in dark chocolate. We also make chocolate “branches”, delicate bars inspired by the shape of mountain twigs. And of course, our classic tablets, available in white, milk, or dark chocolate, combined with nuts, fruits, or spices. You might find flavours like chilli, ginger, or salt with caramel—surprising combinations that have become our hallmark. Every product is made in small batches, using natural ingredients and a touch of creativity.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through flavour and tradition. If you’d like to taste our chocolates, visit the shop right next to the museum—you’ll find free samples and lots of surprises. And if you wish to continue the experience at home, you can visit our website: www.abuelailichocolates.com. Each tablet tells a story, made with love in La Alpujarra.
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