Blogs

Chocolate 101
CHOCOLATE 101: A GLOSSARY OF CHOCOLATE TERMS By Stephanie Garr Is it cacao or cocoa? What’s the difference between a chocolatier and a chocolate maker? What does fair trade chocolate mean? Here’s everything you need to know about chocolate—from tree...
THE NOAH'S ARK OF HEIRLOOM CACAO
Imagine that all of the pinot noir vines in the world were lost to disease and hybridization, except in one or two forgotten valleys in Burgundy. That’s basically the situation that Nacional cacao finds itself in today. 
GENETIC & MORPHOLOGY ANALYSIS OF NACIONAL CACAO IN PIEDRA DE PLATA
In 2015 we analyzed the DNA of 47 cacao trees in Piedra de Plata, Ecuador, in partnership with the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP). We collected the leaf samples...The genetic analysis was performed...
Nacional Cacao Conservation Project (NCCP)
In 2014 we found a grove of Ancient Nacional cacao trees hidden in a remote valley of Ecuador. Not long before this moment, this treasured cacao variety was believed by many experts to be extinct. Since then, we have made it our goal to preserve it and nurse it back to prominence.
Heirloom Cacao Preservation
A nonprofit organization working with chocolate industry professionals, chocolate makers, farmers, and chocolate enthusiasts from around the world to save heirloom cacao trees before they disappear and to celebrate the farmers who grow them. In 2016, the Heirloom Cacao Preservation...
HEIRLOOM CACAO CONSERVATION TIMELINE
At the turn of the previous century, Ecuador’s famed heirloom cacao variety ("Ancient Nacional") was the most cherished in the world. At the turn of the most recent century, it was believed to be extinct. In 2013, To’ak found a valley where some of these trees still survived. 
THE NEAR EXTINCTION OF ANCIENT NACIONAL CACAO
The legendary Ecuadorian cacao variety called “Nacional” traces its genetic lineage back to the first-known cacao trees domesticated by humanity, about 5,300 years ago. After achieving global fame in the nineteenth century, the variety was nearly lost in the twentieth century. 
10 Flowers and What They Symbolize
Want to know the meaning of The Floral Atelier flowers? Read on to find out more about flower languages and symbolisms.
Tips on caring for your hydrangeas
We all love Hydrangeas! These lovely blooms were first discovered and cultivated in Japan and can now be easily sourced due to an increase in growers across various countries like Holland, Columbia, China and Korea. Hydrangeas are clearly the favourites...
The Dreamer
Featuring a Dreamer Bloom Box. Drawing inspiration from the sea of blues and a medley of majestic purples, this colour palette evokes tranquility and calms the busy mind. Imagine yourself walking on a beach with waves gently crashing against the shore,...
What are mono and mixed floral arrangements?
Fussing about what flowers to use for your next event or party? The first thing that you should consider would be the overall look that you would like to achieve. Depending on the types for flowers used, there are two main...
The Ingenue
"Innocence tinctures all things with brightest hues."- Edward Counsel Featuring the Ingenue Bloom Box.One of our popular floral themes in The Floral Atelier is the Ingenue. Inspired by the term "Ingénue" — used to describe a wide-eyed and innocent lady in film...
The Winner of our Eternity Valentine's Day Campaign is….
We received many heartwarming entries that tell us what they wish would last forever. Thank you to everyone who participated in our Eternity Valentine’s Day campaign and helped make it a success! It was hard to pick a winner, but congratulations...
What do you wish could last forever?
For us, it's beautiful blooms. This Valentine's Day, The Floral Atelier wishes you love that stands the test of time, like our latest Eternity Collection - specially treated real flowers that look and feel fresh for years. We would like...
3 Simple Tips on Caring For Your Bloom Box
Fresh flowers are fleeting in weather like ours here in the tropics. Our customers frequently ask how their beautiful arrangements, especially our signature Bloom Boxes, can last longer here in Singapore.
Varieties of Roses We Adore
Long considered a symbol of beauty and love, the rose is probably the most loved flower in the world. A versatile and timeless flower, the rose is used often in various floral arrangements for homes, offices and of course weddings.
The Artist
"Colour and I are one. I am a painter." - Paul Klee, 1914.