Taste Fresh Cocoa Pods at Wing Long Market

Taste Fresh Cocoa Pods at Wing Long Market, Loei Province

When talking about cocoa, many might think of hot Ovaltine drinks or chocolates sold at convenience stores. But believe it or not, the main ingredient, “fresh cocoa pods” in their natural form, are hardly found easily in Thailand, especially in the North or Northeast regions. In Loei Province, I, mr.hotsia, traveled to explore a morning market called “Wing Long Market,” a small community market offering a variety of local foods and goods. What caught my eye was the “fresh cocoa pods” displayed along the market walkway.

Wing Long Market is located in a district of Loei Province, near the famous tourist attraction Phi Ta Khon in Dan Sai (If you’re interested in a deep story about Phi Ta Khon, follow me atPhi Ta Khon, Dan Sai, Loei Province). This market is neither large nor modern but has a rustic atmosphere full of the charm of local life. As I passed several fruit stalls, I glanced at the fresh cocoa pods neatly arranged in bamboo trays and couldn’t help but stop to take a closer look.

I had never seen fresh cocoa pods like this before in the city. The cocoa pods had a hard dark brown shell and were about hand-sized. I decided to buy some to cut open and taste fresh, which was a new and interesting experience I want to share.

Fresh Cocoa Pods and a Process You Might Not Know

Many who enjoy cocoa drinks or chocolate may not know that before becoming the cocoa powder we recognize, the process is quite extensive. It starts with harvesting cocoa beans from fresh pods, fermenting them in heaps for several days until the flavor changes, then drying, roasting, and grinding into powder before being made into drinks or chocolates.

However, when I cut open and tasted the fresh cocoa pods at Wing Long Market, I found the flavor and aroma were not as strong as the powdered or processed forms. The cocoa scent was barely noticeable, and the taste was unusual, unlike the familiar Ovaltine or processed chocolate. This fresh taste reminded me of the pure natural essence that many may never have experienced.

I wondered if people really eat fresh cocoa pods like this because the locals at the market didn’t recommend eating them raw. But I tried it to give a real picture of what raw cocoa pods are like, which was an interesting experience and a new learning opportunity.

Wing Long Market and the Lifestyle and Culture of Loei People

Wing Long Market is not just about fresh cocoa pods; it is also a hub for many local delicacies such as fresh vegetables, seasonal fruits, and homemade local foods. Walking around the market felt like stepping back in time to experience the genuine lifestyle of the locals here.

If you enjoy visiting morning markets, I recommend stopping by here at least once. You won’t just see and taste the unique fresh cocoa pods but also experience a warm and friendly community atmosphere, unlike large markets crowded with tourists.

Moreover, Loei Province offers many charming attractions, such as the sea of mist at Pha Nok Aen on Phu Kradueng or the enchanting atmosphere of Chiang Khan in the winter, which I have already shared in articlesSea of Mist at Pha Nok Aen – Phu KraduengandWinter Travel in Chiang KhanPlan a full trip to Loei Province and don’t forget to stop by Wing Long Market to taste fresh cocoa pods.

Easy Travel to Loei and a Memorable Experience

For traveling to Wing Long Market, I, mr.hotsia, recommend coming early because the market opens early and fresh quality goods are more available. It’s not far from Loei town; you can take a songthaew or hire a car conveniently.

Once there, stroll leisurely, taste fresh cocoa pods, or try other local foods sold at the market, such as Khanom Jeen (fermented rice noodles), Som Tum (papaya salad), or various fried snacks freshly made by locals. This kind of atmosphere is hard to find in big cities.

If you’re interested in trying Mekong River prawns in Chiang Khan, I have written about it inMekong River Prawns in Chiang KhanThere are plenty of delicious foods to try there. Or if you want a unique breakfast experience with stuffed deep-fried dough sticks, don’t forget to visitStuffed Deep-Fried Dough Sticksat Chiang Khan Market.

Summary from mr.hotsia

Tasting fresh cocoa pods at Wing Long Market is another travel experience I, mr.hotsia, want to recommend to travel and local food lovers. It’s not just about the familiar cocoa flavor but also about seeing the origin of the ingredient and the simple, genuine lifestyle of the locals.

Next time you visit Loei Province, don’t forget to stop by Wing Long Market and buy fresh cocoa pods to cut open and taste yourself. This will help you understand the natural essence of cocoa better. If you like this kind of atmosphere, I recommend continuing to nearby attractions like Phi Ta Khon in Dan Sai, which has equally interesting stories and culture.

Thank you for following stories from mr.hotsia. See you again on the next journey!