Organic Chocolates Taste and Do Good: Green & Black’s, Dagoba, Allison’s Gourmet and Shaman
Last weekend’s obsession with heart-shaped boxes got us thinking: There are those who love milk chocolate and those who are partial to dark, and never the twain shall meet. But now there’s more to chocolate than the mouthwatering flavor of your choice. Like organic, fair trade and vegan options, plus one that supports the last indigenous tribe in North America, which has long known the stuff is a gift from the gods.
Green & Black’s Organic Dark 70% is so fabulously rich, dark and smokey that you might be able to substitute it for that second espresso. Dagoba Eclipse 87% Organic Extra Dark Chocolate offers up the faint taste of citrus. Allison’s Gourmet Organic Vegan Truffles captures the essence of artisan chocolate. And Navitas Naturals’ Sweet Cacao Nibs are certified organic, kosher, vegan and raw, from fair-trade harvested Peruvian cacao.
Finally, two new organic chocolate bars from Shaman Chocolates donate all profits to support the Huichol (“we-chul”) Indians, a Mexican tribe living in the Sierra Madre Mountains who are said to be the last indigenous tribe in North America to have maintained their pre-Columbian traditions. Covering both chocolate bases, the certified organic and fair trade bars are available in milk and a sock-knocking dark that features 82% cacao. The bars are the brainchild of Brant Secunda, a healer, shaman (hence the name) and the Huichol’s ceremonial leader, who started Shaman Chocolates as an economic vehicle to help the tribe preserve their ancient ceremonial and healing traditions, some of which feature chocolate, considered a sacred gift from paradise.
For which we can only say: Thank you. From the bottom of both sides of our hearts.
