Forum Activity for @Clay

Is Chocolate Healthy? II

Posted in: Opinion

Ted:I have to agree with Samantha on this one: when you make claims like "Now, with this state-of-the-art, cold-pressed method, solid chocolate (bars) have the exact same nutritional components as in their raw powdered form" I think you have to be able to back them up. I've know about Xocai since very early days and if I felt comfortable with the company's claims (and with the product itself - I don't like either the taste or the texture) I would be representing it myself.There are a lot of people on TheChocolateLife who are interested in knowing about the patent and other independent verification of the claims. For example, Brunswick labs could analyze a sample of nibs before pressing and (with sufficient proof that the chain of custody was not broken) the powder cold-pressed from those nibs. Otherwise there is no way to validate the claim, "the exact same nutritional components."I've been looking for this support for years, perhaps you can get it for us?

Is Chocolate Healthy? II

Posted in: Opinion

Sam:I was looking for the patent (it's been awarded, apparently, to a chocolate manufacturer in Belgium) and I saw that your reply, above, appeared as the #9 hit in Google for the search 'patent cacao cold-pressed' - after only 12 hours.I guess Google sees TheChocolateLife as being an authority on subjects about chocolate.

Is Chocolate Healthy? II

Posted in: Opinion

Sorry to say Frank, but this subject must be to Xocai spammers what a nice jar of red syrup is to hummingbirds: irresistible.I have to agree with Clay in that chocolate should not be viewed as THE path to a healthy life, but rather as an added benefit of eating something we all enjoy.

Is Chocolate Healthy? II

Posted in: Opinion

Frank, it is the antioxidants (among other ingedients) in raw cacao that bring increased cardiovascular health, when consumed. The problem is that when most chocolate is made or 'dutched', these antioxidants are lost, just like when you loose the nutrients in vegetables when they are cooked. So it can not be assumed that because raw cacao has 'built-in health', that all chocolate is healthy. The only way to lock in the antioxidants is the patented, cold-press method. Most chocolate is NOT made this way. The patented, cold-pressed method is virtually the only method that can deliver hard chocolate with the same nutrients and ingredients as raw cacao in its powder form.Clay mentioned below that "...consuming relatively unprocessed cacao in the form of a beverage, not solid chocolate bars as we think of chocolate, makes a huge difference when interpreting the findings of the study." Now, with this state-of-the-art, cold-pressed method, solid chocolate (bars) have the exact same nutritional components as in their raw powdered form.More at http://www.mydrchocolate.com and http://www.theworldsgreatestchocolate.com .

Is Chocolate Healthy? II

Posted in: Opinion

Frank:I don't think you'll find anyone on TheChocolateLife who disputes that chocolate (or more accurately cacao) is a part of a healthy diet and can have a positive affect on virtually every system in the body. Where I think you'll find dispute is the extent to which chocolate is "healthy." Some see chocolate as a panacea for virtually every possible ailment - chocolate alone can cure cancer, diabetes, and depression and improve your libido while helping you achieve your ideal body weight at the same time. Others see more subtle benefits.In the Kuna study, from what I remember, the subjects were consuming relatively unprocessed cacao in the form of a beverage, not solid chocolate bars as we think of chocolate. This makes a huge difference when interpreting the findings of the study.From what I've learned, it's impossible to point to a single chemical constituent of chocolate and say, "This is where the health-giving properties lie." Chocolate is a complex food and it is very likely that it is both the variety and the quantity of chemicals in chocolate that make it so "healthy." Even the fat in cocoa is a "good" fat even though it is technically saturated, and there is evidence which suggests that it is cocoa butter which has an effect on cholesterol metabolism.However, there is a great deal of debate (and a whole lot of contradictory research) on how various forms of processing contribute to the degradation of the health-giving chemical constituents of chocolate. A number (i.e., 70 percent) is not an indicator of whether chocolate is healthy for you - it depends on many complex factors starting from the original levels of these chemicals in the cacao seed and including all of the post-harvest processing and other processing steps. In a perfect world you'd run an ORAC test (and several other, related analyses) on EVERY BATCH of chocolate in order to understand what that specific batch contains. It is impossible to accurately generalize.The irony is that pretty much everything that's done to make chocolate taste better is done at the expense of the health-giving chemicals in the chocolate.Another challenge is that chocolate is a high-fat food and so eating enough chocolate to get adequate nutritional benefits often carries a hefty load of calories. So my advice has always been to see the health and wellness potential of chocolate as a benefit of eating chocolate, not a reason for eating chocolate. I also counsel seeing chocolate as one part of an overall approach to diet which also incorporates reducing or eliminating red meats and most prepared foods in favor of as much fresh, raw foods as you can accommodate.

Is Chocolate Healthy? II

Posted in: Opinion

Is Chocolate Healthy? IILets try this again, assuming it wont be spammed.Here are two links with research to support the health benefits of chocolate and the authors opinions as to why. or what is the active ingredient conferring the health benefits.The San Blas Kuna refers to the Kuna indigenous people living on islands off the eastern (northern) coast of Panama. Actually their homeland is a group of islands sub-nation on the Gulf or Caribbean coast of Panama.Compared to the mainland refers to poorer health of the Kuna when they migrate to Panama City and other parts of the country and settle there to live.From the abstract on med. science:Despite the other possible explanations for the large differences in deaths from cardiovascular disease and cancer with an array of possible confounding factors, it is improbable that these could abolish the cardiovascular and cancer protective effect observed among the San Blas Kuna as compared to the mainland. http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=7599 http://www.medsci.org/v04p0053.htm cardiovascular and cancer protective effect observed Correct me if Im wrong , but my understanding is that these American and German university researchers, early on, expected to find a genetic component in these Kuna Peoples which gave them extremely healthy hearts, very low blood pressure and prevented hardening of the arteries. But that didnt make sense when later, some of their friends and relatives from the San Blas islands moved inland and developed cardiovascular problems (at the same rate as the Hispanic Panamanians).My Question: If all of the above is scientifically sound, and if it is epicatechin , a flavaol, which is the active ingredient in chocolate which is believed to cause increased cardiovascular health; if this chemical is present and active in Kuna cocoa, can we then say that our chocolate is also heart healthy? Has anybody seen any research to that effect?Just wondering.
updated by @Frank Schmidt: 05/05/15 03:39:15

Is Chocolate Healthy?

Posted in: Opinion

All of Mr Cera's other contributions have been deleted because they were determined to be spam. Mr Cera has been warned that continued postings of this nature will result in his membership being revoked.

Is Chocolate Healthy?

Posted in: Opinion

Oh we're just a clever little spammer aren't we? NOT!

Is Chocolate Healthy?

Posted in: Opinion

Why would you say that chocolate isn't good for you, healthwise? There are numerous studies suggesting otherwise. Chocolate contains more antioxidants than green tea or red wine, for example. It's really dependant upon the type of chocolate and the amount consumed that can and usually makes chocolate 'bad' for you, Of course, the more cacao in the chocolate, the less sugar and more medicinal benefits you gain, and even more so if you're consuming cocoa.And you response to having chocolate as a moment of peace, it's by no accident that chocolate can cause blissfulness. It's truly a comfort food becuase chocolate contains a myraid of chemical compounds which effects mood. I'm not an expert by anymeans but chocolate is found to affect serotonin levels and chocolate contain theobromine, which affects the nervous system leading to mental and physical relaxation, etc etc.Fudge cake doesn't do it for me, but I have had hot chocolate paired with rich chocolate desserts that sent my giddiness through the roof. No doubt, chocolate is mind altering, I've had it happen personally and love it!

Is Chocolate Healthy?

Posted in: Opinion

We all know that chocolate is not healthy for the body, but what about the soul. Chocolate relives many peoples tensions and aches. For some it is their one moment of relaxtion, of complete peace. I was just wondering whether any of you have ever felt this way about chocolate. I know I do with a nice piece of Fudge Cake. Fudge Cake
updated by @Micheal Cera: 04/20/15 11:34:06

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

i am a cocoa farmer from east africa, and i am able to supply any quantity of cocoa bean requested Contact me soonest if interested lopezmariam3@gmail.com

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

I think you have been directed to the best suppliers out there. I also want to use this opportunity to alert you of our company. Cocoa Beans Ltd was created in 2009 and we have been the leading supplier of Cocoa in our local community and battling to the best exporters in Cameroon. Contact me at larryheight189@gmail.com for more information regarding our products and affordable prices.

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

"directory of farmers or importers" here-i think it could be a really good idea..

updated by @Samson: 06/08/15 03:17:50

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

I can help you source Costa Rican Matina Cocoa. Shoot me a message and we can chat details. Organic fine beans.

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Hi Bertil,

Would you mind getting in touch with me so I can try a small quantity/sample?! Thank you, Tyler

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Dear Steve,

We have irrigated cacao plantations in the south of Bahia (Brazil) where we produce high quality cocoa. We mechanized all the process and we are expecing to have +/- 300 MT this year and 500 MT in 2012.
Please find more information, pictures and video on our website .

If interested, please contact me by email on ogonovszky@gmail.com

NB: We don't have an organic certification

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Hi Eric,

Glad to hear you are back. I am still dealing with the aftermath of a divorce myself.

Would love to sample your cert. organic nibs if you have any? I love the stuff from madagascar.

Best,
Steve

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Hi Edwin,

I would love to try a sample of your beans/nibs. Are they certified organic?

Best,

Steve

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Hi Brian,

We are looking for about 200KG, 90% fermented.

We are most interested in nibs. The 50C is not necessarily a deal killer. We would need to inspect a sample.

If you could connect me to a good contact, I would greatly appreciate it!

Best,
Steve

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Thanks Duffy!

Steve

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Hi Bertil,

Thanks for this prospect. I would like to purchase a small sample from you if possible.

Best,

Steve

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Hi Steve,

We grow NOP Organic Certified Cocoa in Madagascar and supply most of the top quality chocolate makers in Europe and in the US. Please feel free to contact me for more information. We keep an inventory in the US and have no problem in delivering small quantities. Kindest regards, Bertil

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

I have some organic, fair trade here in the states. Not a whole lot left. Only about 2MT

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Hey. I sell several varieties of organic beans. Peru, madagascar, ecuador, dominican republic. I was out of the game for quite a while due to divorce and several other things but am up and running again.

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Brilliant will do, many thanks

Kate

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Hi Kate,

Try Santiago Paz at santiagonorandinoatyahoo.es - that is who I have been dealing with. I've just ordered 500kg from them as the test samples they sent were very interesting.

Regards,

Duffy

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Hi Duffy

Currently looking for a supplier of Peruvian beans too, much appreciate if you could send me contact details.

Kate

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

hi from peru steve. i agree with duffy cepicafe has good quality. i'm in tingo maria right now and the naranjillo coop has organic and fair trade cert.to the north in tarapoto acopagro has cert i believe. and there is probably someone with organic cert in the cusco growing area. most of the beans from naranjillo and acopagro are ccn-51 with some other stuff mixed in. piura has better genetics, cusco i'm not sure.

whatvolume are you looking for?

quality specs? (fermentation level, etc), do you care about genetics?

any other specs?

all fermented and sun dried beans in peru will have gone over 50C in post-harvest, if thats a dq then peru will not be for you. many of the large coops buy beans at 9-12% humidity and finsh drying in a gas dryer, which may affect you as a raw producer. i know most of the people in the industry here if you want to talk to any of them let me know i can connect you, directly or through appcacao or the ag ministry.

saludos

brian

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Steve,

Check out Cepicafe for Peruvian beans. Quality is excellent - just about to get some myself - and they are certified Fairtrade and organic I believe. If you need a contact let me know and I will send you the details.

Duffy

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

Currently looking for Cacao from Madagascar, Venezuela, and Peru. If anybody has any leads on good sources, please let me know.

Looking for Good Sources of Certified Organic Cacao Beans

Posted in: Classifieds ARCHIVE

I am looking for new, good and reputable sources of certified organic cacao beans. Is there anybody on this forum in the business of selling beans/nibs/butter to chocolatiers? Perhaps a directory of farmers or importers exists? Any help would be much appreciated!
updated by @Sacred Steve: 04/07/25 13:00:14

Teaching young children about chocolate

Posted in: Uncategorized

I completely agree. This workshop is a two hour one. There will 150 children moving from station to station. Total 7 stations-3 are on hands and 4 are activites connected to chocolate. So I don't think this is the right opportunity to teach moderation! BTW, this moderation is true for many areas in life, and many adults were not taught moderation...Have you had too much fudge cake that you choose this example? Just joking, of course!!Thanks for a reply. Still searching for coloring pages.

Teaching young children about chocolate

Posted in: Uncategorized

I am running a workshop for the families of beer factory nearby (!). The activity is mostly children oriented. One of the activites will be a table where kids can draw. I want coloring pages with chocolate related pictures. I found very little-a cacao pod, the mayan wall mural of a tree, a leaf. Does anyone here know of a source I can find? I attached what I found.Thanks
updated by @Ilana: 04/18/15 05:30:27

Salon du Chocolat 2009 in Paris

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Lana:The Professional Salon takes place every other year. So, the next is in 2011. The next World Chocolate Masters will take place in 2011 - maybe at the professional salon, maybe not.The exhibitors are a mix of industrial chocolate makers, growers associations, equipment makers, and the like. If you are looking for inspiration by looking at others' work then the consumer show is where you should spend your time.You can see all you need to see at the consumer salon in at most two full days - one if you really hurry and don't spend any time talking to anyone; just looking. There is not a lot of free tasting going on. However, not everyone involved in chocolate in Paris (let alone France) exhibits at the salon so you'll want to spend at least a couple of days in Paris on your own visiting shops around the city.:: Clay

Salon du Chocolat 2009 in Paris

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Hi Anna,I am travelling to Perugia in order to attend your show. Will I need any documentation to get into the "Eurochocolate World" section? I have just set up a business producing chocolate and would like to meet some cocoa producers.Regards,Duffy

Salon du Chocolat 2009 in Paris

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

The 15th it is. Same hotel, same time.

Salon du Chocolat 2009 in Paris

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Hi Lola, I'd delighted to meet you. I'll look out for you at the Salon!Let's see if Clay confirms the date for our morning rendezvous as the 15th, i.e. Thursday. I'm keen and would like to come...Ivica

Salon du Chocolat 2009 in Paris

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Ivica.Jim is not going to be able to break away for the event but I will be there in his place. I'm the Brazilian wife and will be there as a representative of the Brazilian Agriculture group from the cacau region of Bahia. We have an area reserved in the show and will have samples and literature available. I would be very happy to meet with you, Clay and others on the 15th. I assume the location and time of day remain fixed.LolaIf you need other information you can contact me e-mail lolacacau@yahoo.com

Salon du Chocolat 2009 in Paris

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Clay, that would be great! I'm all for it. Hope more people will be there...

Salon du Chocolat 2009 in Paris

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Duffy:I am arriving on the 17th in Perugia and leaving on the 21st. Not exactly sure of the lay of the land yet but will keep you informed).:: Clay
updated by @Clay Gordon: 06/15/15 10:40:41

Salon du Chocolat 2009 in Paris

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

We could also meet the morning of the 15th if that works better for everyone.

Salon du Chocolat 2009 in Paris

Posted in: Travels & Adventures

Hi Folks,Not sure about Paris yet but I am going to Perugia for Eurochocolate and it would be good to meet any other listers. I'm there Staurday to Saturday and my scehdule is pretty flexible.Regards,Duffy