IT WASN’T ALWAYS LIKE THIS. Did physics when it was cool, or at least, outrageously cold. Did tech when the ‘net was new. Chocolate was a hobby, more eating than doing.
Got serious around 2007 after taking Ecole Chocolat’s Professional Chocolatier Program, followed by the Master Class in France, Tuscany. Connections, encounters. In 2014 I found myself teaching for Ecole Chocolat, then leading the master class in France, developing more classes. Travel: Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Grenada. It’s become a chocolate life.
HCP’s MISSION is to discover, identify and preserve fine flavor Heirloom cacao varieties for the conservation of biological diversity and the empowerment of farming communities.
A week into 2024, and I’m honored to be the new President of Heirloom Cacao Preservation, which I believe to be the most important organization in the Fine Chocolate industry. HCP’s mission, to “discover, identify and preserve fine flavor Heirloom cacao varieties for the conservation of biological diversity and the empowerment of farming communities,”aligns perfectly with the Dancing Lion Chocolate worldview. It all means we’ll be working with more Heirloom-designated cacao, making yet better chocolate, and wilder bonbons and bars. And during my term as President, we’ll donate $5 to HCP for each Dancing Lion Chocolate bar you purchase that contains Heirloom cacao, so watch for the HCP logo.
Sit down, settle in, enjoy the chocolate.
Richard
Heirloom Cacao is an ancestral or traditional cacao varietal propagated on farms or found in wild or semi-wild conditions that exhibit exceptionally complex, balanced, and unique flavor profiles.
The logo means the cacao is of unique flavor, promotes biodiversity, and supports farming communities. Our Mayan Drinking Chocolate contains at least 30% Wild Bolivia “Itenez” Heirloom cacao beans.
Heirloom at Dancing Lion Chocolate
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Heirloom Cacao
I’m in the foyer here at Guittard Chocolate in Burlingame, near San Francisco. Clark Guittard gave me a private tour … Read More
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Natural Treasures Bar
Caramel-filled Vietnam Tien Giang HCP13 Heirloom dark chocolate. The chocolate’s intense cinnamon and allspice notes perfectly balanced Chef Donna’s rich … Read More
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5 Heirlooms Tasting Set
5 HEIRLOOMS TASTING SET – Rare bean-to-bar from Dancing Lion Chocolate. HCP 1. Felix Paredes Farm, Alto Beni, BoliviaHCP 2. … Read More
