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How is Chocolate Made?
Let's start with the basics. In a nutshell (or should I say cocoa bean shell?) chocolate does grow on trees - Theobroma Cacao to be scientific - in the tropical climates of Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Asia.
The mature pods are harvested by hand, broken open to reveal about 50 - 60 cocoa beans and they are then fermented, dried and roasted. The bean is then separated from the shell in a process called "winnowing" which results in chocolate "nibs".
The nibs are crushed and the cocoa butter is melted and becomes chocolate liquor which is pressed to extract the cocoa butter. This is the portion that is used in the manufacturing of the chocolate we eat.
Other ingredients are added such as sugar, milk and emulsifying ingredients. The cocoa butter and the cocoa solids make up the percentage that you see on many labels of chocolate bars. The higher the cocoa percent, the less sugar it has and the more intense is the flavor.
Organic Vegan Cocoa Pods With Nibs Organic Cocoa Pods Our most popular indulgence:Organic dark chocolate Cocoa pods, studded with roasted cacao nibs. Average 30 pieces presented in our sustainable box.
Why should we care about Organic and Fair Traded/Direct Trade Chocolates? Organic chocolates promote and use sustainable practices, eliminate exposure of pesticides and harmful chemicals to children, precluded the use of fumigants that are now used for exports, and promote biodiversity. Oliver Kita ensures that our organic chocolate ingredients have been grown organically, using no pesticides, herbicides or any toxic chemicals, and do not contain artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. All ingredients are non-GMO (genetically modified). Organic chocolate is also known in the industry for its magnificent taste, silky texture and fine finish. Nothing hides or competes with the flavors and fragrances we work with. Our organic chocolates are truly magical. Fair Traded/Direct Trade chocolates mean fairer prices for farmers, gender equality, diversification to promote economic health and NO CHILD SLAVERY. Money from the sale of cocoa beans goes directly to the farmers bypassing corporate middle-men and women. Farmers who are paid and treated fairly are proud of their work, harvesting gourmet cocoa. The farmers who grow the cacao beans for Valrhona receive fair deals in trade for the best beans purchased directly from their farms. Our hand made artisan Oliver Kita chocolate creations are made with Valrhona Organic Dark Chocolate 72% USDA certified. They are award winners. Valrhona is a small French chocolate company, with a social awareness that takes pride in producing the highest quality chocolate.
Visit the Plantation
Here is a great video showing exactly how chocolate is made. You will get the feeling that you are right there on the cocoa plantation.
To further explain the process, have a look at this chart courtesy of the International Cocoa Organization
Let's start with the basics. In a nutshell (or should I say cocoa bean shell?) chocolate does grow on trees - Theobroma Cacao to be scientific - in the tropical climates of Africa, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Asia. 
