Happy Earth Day!

Just in case you haven't guessed the obvious... I enjoy eating chocolate, and I want chocolate to continue to be part of my world!

According to the International Cocoa Organization, 2.5 million farmers produce almost 90 percent of the world's cocoa on about 5-10 acres. Most of the world's cacao is grown on the small family owned farm.  The best chocolate comes from shade grown cacao managed by farmers using small-scale, low-impact techniques. 

There are still large, old style cocoa plantations in business.  Cacao trees grow best in shade, but on a plantation they grow row upon row in full sun like an orchard.  This practice results in the trees becoming stressed, more susceptible to disease and the soil more quickly depleted of nutrients.   It is a large-scale, chemically intensive operation.

On this Earth Day, I am reminded to support the protection of our agricultural ecosystems as well as our fair trade economic systems.

I recently enjoyed a Divine Dark Chocolate 70%.  Check out the Divine Dark Delights Gift Box at www.divinechocolateusa.com.  Divine dark chocolate has a robust cocoa flavor with hints of fruit and earth and a smooth non-bitter aftertaste.  That is heavenly!

Sweeter still was the warm fuzzy feeling I got from supporting the farmer-owned cooperative, Kuapa Kokoo, and their commitment to keeping chocolate around for a good long time.

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Bryn Kirk

Course Facilitator at Chocolate University Online

Bryn worked for nearly 10 years in a research and product development for Ambrosia Chocolate Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Now she develops all of the CUO lessons and coaches the members of the Primal Chocolate Club.

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