chocolate education
Local Chocolates in the Philippines – A Childhood Dream
March 1, 2022
When you think of your childhood, what do you remember?
For Filipinos, being rewarded with their favorite local goodies definitely hits memory lane!
Cacao In The Philippines – The Birth Of Tsokolate
February 21, 2022
Ever wonder how chocolate was discovered in your country?
Chocolates originated from the tropical rainforests of Central America, were discovered by the Europeans, and were introduced to the Philippines by the Spaniards. Since then, the country has developed its love affair with chocolates especially due to the country’s competitive advantage in location and climate.
Chocolate Traditions on Valentine’s Day
February 12, 2022
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, and people already stocking up on their chocolates, do you ever wonder what chocolate traditions exist in different parts of the world?
Chocolate on a Healthy Diet? Fact or Myth?
January 19, 2022
Eating chocolate on a diet may seem like a dream, but a number of studies suggest that it is actually a good source of nutrients and can even help you lose weight!
Cacao Juice: Delicious and Nutritious New Drink
December 11, 2020
As chocolate enthusiasts, I’m sure we are all fairly familiar with cacao beans. I mean, they lead to the delicious chocolate we eat every day! But did you know that the fresh white pulp that surrounds these precious beans makes a tasty juice?
6 Big Mistakes to Avoid When Making Homemade Chocolates
June 30, 2020
Chocolate is meant to bring a smile to your face… but what if it doesn’t? Well, you are not alone. The chocolate-making process is sometimes not so sweet!
While making chocolate may seem simple, it can be very technical to work with. Preparation, attention to detail, and the way you handle chocolate will have a huge impact on the end result.
To prevent your chocolatey treat from turning into a cocoa-tastrophe, here are 6 big mistakes to avoid when making homemade chocolate.
Cacao de El Salvador – Part 4 (Xocolatísimo)
December 15, 2019
Continuing the El Salvador chocolate experience, the first thing I noticed as I walked into Xocolatísimo chocolate shop was an impressive looking arrangement of colorfully packaged chocolate bars covering almost the entire back wall.
Cacao de El Salvador – Part 3 (JEZ Chocolate)
November 27, 2019
Typically, cacao is grown in one part of the world while chocolate is manufactured and consumed in another. If you live in the United States, chances are the chocolate you’re eating is made from cacao gown in Africa or South America even though it was made in Switzerland or Pennsylvania.
Although it is rare, there are exceptions to this situation. In El Salvador, for example, chocolate shops are crafting chocolate bars, truffles, and hot cocoa drinks from the cacao grown in El Salvador. Sometimes, the business owner grows the cacao too.
Cacao de El Salvador – Part 2
October 23, 2019
A couple months ago I traveled to El Salvador to learn more about how reviving a traditional and ancient agricultural practice can generate income through sustainable environmental and economical development. What on earth am I talking about? Something near and dear to my heart. The Food of the Gods – el Cacao!
I begin at the beginning, following a community of farmers through the process of growing, harvesting, and preparing cacao beans for market...
Cacao de El Salvador – Part 1
September 30, 2019
I have so much good news to share about what’s going on in El Salvador! I spent a little over a week traveling in the eastern part of the country learning first hand from farmers and processors about the benefits and challenges of growing cacao in their region.
My head is bursting with all that I heard, saw and yes, tasted. As a result, I’m going to publish a series of blog posts about it all. My hope is to take everything currently trapped in my brain and write it down. And share some interesting stories and photos with you all.