organic chocolate

what is organic chocolate, and why is it important?

Chocolate. Just the word gets the imagination running and the mouth watering. How fortunate that something so pleasant comes with health benefits in the form of bioflavonoids and antioxidants. But of course this pleasure is double-edged - the fat and sugar prevents us from enjoying this treat as often as we'd like (or it should, in any case!)

Given its downside, it makes sense to choose as wisely as possible when you choose to enjoy chocolate. Make it even more special. Why should organic chocolate be your choice? The amount of certified organic ingredients in organic chocolate must equal at least 95% of all those used in the production process. As with all organic products, there must be no chemical substances like pesticides, insecticides, herbicides used on plants and no growth hormones or irradiation in animals. Since chocolate contains both plant- and animal-based ingredients, and additives used on those ingredients ultimately end up in your body, both of these matter. They would also end up in soil, waterways, and even air, so the effects multiply. When you buy certified organic cocoa you know that the beans weren't fumigated with methyl bromide, which depletes the ozone layer and is dangerous when inhaled.

The choice to buy organic affects more than your own body. The producers of organic chocolate care for the environment, encouraging biodiversity of rainforests that are not only the perfect places for raising cocoa plants but also serve as shelter for migratory birds, butterflies and other species.