by Rob | Jan 31, 2019 | Magazine
Back in 2010, scientists announced what was their first draft of the chocolate genome, or genetic makeup, of the criollo variety. As climate change continues to affect the planet, cocoa is in danger of dying out entirely within the next 100 years. Some will argue... 
by Rob | Jan 31, 2019 | Magazine
With all things food-related, the effect on health can vary by the amount consumed in one given sitting. Chocolate does act as a stimulant, as does most sugary products, as it contains a slight amount of caffeine, as well as theobromine. Excessive consumption of... 
by Rob | Jan 31, 2019 | Magazine
Chocolate labeling can be a bit perplexing if you are new to the subject. Most manufacturers label the percentage of chocolate on the packaging, quoting ‘cocoa’ or ‘cacao.’ This is in relation to the combined percentage of both cocoa butter and... 
by Rob | Jan 31, 2019 | Magazine
Growing & Harvesting After the cocoa pods are grown and ripe, they are commonly harvested by cutting, or knocking, off a a tree often with a machete. The pods are then broken, and the beans are separated from the surrounding pulp. The beans are then set to ferment... 
by Rob | Jan 31, 2019 | Magazine
Forastero The forastero bean is the most commonly grown across the globe. It is most likely native to the Amazon basin, and the African cocoa crop is almost entirely of forastero variety. They are significantly hardier, and offer a more classic chocolate flavor,... 
by Rob | Jan 31, 2019 | Magazine
Generally speaking, chocolate is a range of food derived from cocoa, or cacao, mixed with cocoa butter and finely powdered sugar to produce these confectioneries. Believe it or not, different countries have their own ‘rules’ for each classification of... 