In 2001, Dagoba’s founder Frederick Schilling began making organic chocolate in his home kitchen. According to the Dagoba website, www.dagobachocolate.com, Frederick’s goal was to “craft deeply satisfying chocolate in a socially responsible way.”
Today, I’m reviewing a Dagoba Extra Dark, 84%. By the looks (and taste) of things Frederick’s vision is still going strong.
This Extra Dark Chocolate Bar
The packaging (wrapper) is dedicated to “Inspired Chocolate, Empowering Women”. They do through their “The One for All Cacao Project” and their vision “…We believe in the future of cacao communities. And we believe in women.”
Why focus on women in cacao growing areas? Dagoba says women who work in the cocoa growing industry are “at a greater risk of being undervalued and underrepresented in the cocoa value chain.” One of their projects is working with a small cocoa growing community in Suan Jan de Cheni in Peru. The growers’ association there is comprised of nearly 30% women.
The 84% Extra Dark is smooth and melts evenly and quickly in the mouth. It releases lots of flavor right away. The basic chocolatey flavors are rich and very nutty like almonds and hazelnuts. It tastes like I’m eating a nut butter on toast. There are fruity notes of intense fig right away, but then nuttiness takes over and lasts until the finish.
Each time I lay my hands on a chocolate I haven’t tasted before, I look forward to the flavors, the mouth feel, and the experience of chocolate satisfaction.
What is always a bonus is finding chocolate with all that plus a message, a vision, and action toward sustaining chocolate for generations. Supporting my global neighbors, and yes, women and children in particular right now, is something close to my heart. I hope you can support that too!
Perfect Back to School Fun!
In 201 Fun Chocolate Facts and Chocolate Trivia Quizyou get all the facts and chocolate trivia questions to stump your friends!
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.
