Taste of Lopinot in pictures
Staff Article
Event Date: July 30, 2006
Posted: August 11, 2006
The Taste of Lopinot was a fascinating affair that highlighted aspects of Lopinot culture through its food. This event which took place on Saturday 30th July, 2006, invited visitors to observe the processes of traditional food making in that part of the country. Foods such as 'tom-tom' (pounded yellow yam), coffee, which included the drying, roasting and grinding of the beans, chocolate, tamarind balls and cassava bread were all on display. Also, people were able to observe the tools used for picking cocoa pods such as the 'picadol' knife, the broom made out of 'black sage' leaves and the spices used to flavour the foods.
During the course of the evening, the 'Cocoa Dance' was demonstrated by Mr. Cyril Cooper and other visitors who were invited to experience the activity for themselves. This dancing of the cocoa (which helps to shine the beans) is said to be a very important activity in the cocoa process and is able to influence the cost of sale of the product.
In addition, visitors were given the history of chocolate making in Trinidad and Tobago. It was even mentioned that the cocoa that the famous Cadbury Chocolate factory uses (which is arguably the best tasting chocolate in the world) is obtained from cocoa fields in Trinidad and is exported to Britain after leaving the Cadbury factory in St. Joseph.
It was also pointed out that the cocoa estate is so important to the environment because it is the only man made garden that resembles an actual forest and is able to maintain the ecological balance.
Visitors, who came from all over Trinidad and Tobago, Europe and America, were entertained by David Singh on his harp, which he manufactured for himself, and the Maracas Serenaders who, in addition to showcasing the musical culture of Lopinot, also provided the music for the Cocoa Dance.
Guests were also allowed the opportunity to witness and to taste bread baked in the outside oven, the various other meals and drinks on display and carry home souvenirs made by Lopinot residents.
The Taste of Lopinot experience, which was a very educational one, was also an opportunity for people to come together and relax in an environment that has been successfully preserved by its residents and for a cultural exchange through reasoning and observation to take place. Whatever the reason for the visit, guests were able to take with them an experience that they would learn from and cherish, which is a great feat for the organizers of the event, the Lopinot Tourism Action Committee.
The Taste of Lopinot in pictures:
www.triniview.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=133932
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