I used to think healthy food has to be bland. But then again, if chocolate, wine and spices are healthy and good for you, we live in a pretty incredible world. This always reminds me how lucky we are to have chocolate in our lives. I have been sharing my love for chocolate with students, but few years back realized that I live in a city with some interesting chocolate culture. I want to tell you more about this.
My today’s guest is Eric Parkes. He is an architect with a lifelong passion for chocolate. In 2010 Eric stumbled on the art of chocolate making during a trip to Costa Rica. This discovery lead to the next several years of nearly-continuous and obsessive chocolate making and creation of his company, Somerville Chocolate.
Longing for both an excuse to make a lot more chocolate and the camaraderie of a small group of local chocolate enthusiasts interested in sharing the thrill of chocolate making, the Somerville Chocolate CSA (a bean to bar chocolate program) was formed in the spring of 2012.
The central mission of the CSA is to involve people with the process of chocolate making by preparing multiple bar deliveries that showcase variations on a particular aspect of the chocolate making process.
By the end of this episode, we’ll discuss the basics of chocolate making, explore some of chocolate health benefits, share thoughts on Eric’s bean to bar chocolate CSA and help you to grow your fascination with chocolate.
TAKEAWAYS
- What is the difference between 3 main subgroups of Cacao and what does chocolate maker and consumers need to know about sourcing the chocolate
- How health benefits of chocolate are in some ways dependent on the types of chocolate (dark, milk and white) and what do you need to know about them
- How to taste chocolate and why we should have a science of chocolate tasting
FAVORITE QUOTES
“Can you get passed the initial ‘what happened to my candy bar’ reaction and really savor it? Break off tiny pieces, appreciate the whole flavor profile, how it starts and finishes, the texture… there is a lot to understand.”
“The thing about craft chocolate… try to keep an open mind about it. If you don’t like something, try it again. Take your time, enjoy it, it’s a personal experience.”
“If you’re relying on chocolate bar for your nutrition, you have other problems with your diet.”
CONTACTING OUR GUEST
Eric’s website Somerville Chocolate, his Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts
WEB RESOURCES
John Nanci’s Chocolate Alchemy
Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute
THANKS FOR LISTENING!
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY
The episode is proudly brought to you by Tamim Teas.
Tamim teas is a local company specializing on creation on medicinal mushroom teas. Two of my current favorite blends are Lion-Maitake Clarity and Reishi Delight. I use them to enhance cognition and for their effects on immune system.
Few episodes back I interviewed Liat Racin, the creator of these beautiful teas about the science and art of mushroom blends.
To get 15% off on your first online purchase please enter the promo code “tamimforhealth” at https://plantloveradio.com/tamim.
You can also get free shipping if you purchase two blends or more.
Image courtesy of Eric Parkes/Somerville Chocolate
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