With Valentine’s Day approaching, you’re probably thinking about what to get your True Love (or yourself.)
Today, Recycla is here to talk about CHOCOLATE.
Chocolate is a big part of Valentine’s Day and for good reason. This product of the cocoa bean has been revered for centuries for its aphrodisiac qualities. And isn’t love what Valentine’s Day is all about?
So don’t just go to the store and buy your True Love a heart-shaped box of generic candy — get something special.
But what’s good enough for your True Love?
Does your hometown have a local gourmet chocolate shop? Shop local! Recycla is lucky enough to have a couple of amazing gourmet chocolate shops in her town. They use the freshest ingredients and make their chocolates by hand, one at a time
If you don’t have a gourmet chocolate shop in your town, search for organic and Fair Trade options. Why? Organic chocolate keeps pesticides and chemical fertilizers out of the cocoa beans, promoting a safer and healthier Planet Earth. Lots of organic chocolate is Fair Trade — opt for this and you’ll help ensure livable wages for farmers in developing nations.
Two of Recycla’s favorites are Vosges Chocolate and Lake Champlain Chocolates. These are high quality chocolates that she and her family savor slowly, enjoying each bite. Unlike cheap chocolates that don’t satisfy and make you want more, good quality dark chocolate satisfies after just a bite or two.
Luckily, it is getting easier to find organic and Fair Trade chocolates. Unlike just five or so years ago, you no longer have to shop at organic or gourmet stores or online. Now, you can find organic and Fair Trade at conventional grocery stores, Target, and sometimes even in convenience stores.
Tell the Eco Women: What is your favorite chocolate?
Being from Vermont we like Lake Champlain and Laughing Moon from Stowe!
I just blogged about the ethical and environmental issues with chocolate, so this post comes in good time!
My usual go-to chocolate is from a local chocolatier. She runs her own shop, even grows her own raspberries for her divine dark chocolate raspberry truffles, and I’ve always been very happy to support her. However, I recently learned that the chocolate she uses (Guittard) isn’t entirely fair trade, so now I feel a bit stuck. I think I’ll continue to buy her chocolate, but I’ll start asking about fair trade. Since I’m sure she buys in bulk from Guittard, I think they might pay more attention to her if she made it clear she wanted more fair trade options.
I love Wilmar’s–they’re local and are experts in the trade.