The Slow Melt: A podcast about chocolate

Fruition Chocolate was founded in 2011 by Bryan Graham and is based in Woodstock, USA. The company is known for stone-grinding cocoa beans as a means, Bryan says, of accentuating their inherent flavor. Fruition Chocolate won the gold medal for “Best in Competition” at the 2016 International Chocolate Awards. In this episode, Bryan tells us about his pastry chef training, the story behind the Corazon de Dahlia bar and how the proceeds help children in Peru, and about recreating flavors in chocolate that he loved in his youth. Please join us in tasting the Corazon de Dahlia Milk Chocolate Quinoa Crunch bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on Fruition, head to their website (www.tastefruition.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount from now until October 15, 2017. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis.com (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by BeanBarYou.com.au (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Audible: Get a free audiobook of your choice and free 30-day trial at www.audibletrial.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

Fruition Chocolate was founded in 2011 by Bryan Graham and is based in Woodstock, USA. The company is known for stone-grinding cocoa beans as a means, Bryan says, of accentuating their inherent flavor. Fruition Chocolate won the gold medal for “Best in Competition” at the 2016 International Chocolate Awards. In this episode, Bryan tells us about his pastry chef training, the story behind the Corazon de Dahlia bar and how the proceeds help children in Peru, and about recreating flavors in chocolate that he loved in his youth. Launching October 6, 2017. Please join us in tasting the Corazon de Dahlia Milk Chocolate Quinoa Crunch bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on Fruition, head to their website (www.tastefruition.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount on all products, including the Corazon de Dahlia Milk Chocolate Quinoa Crunch bar, from now until October 15, 2017. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis.com (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by BeanBarYou.com.au (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Audible: Get a free audiobook of your choice and free 30-day trial at www.audibletrial.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

Theo Chocolate was founded in 2006 by Joe Whinney and Debra Music and is based in Seattle, USA. The company is known as being the first organic, fair-trade certified, bean-to-bar chocolate maker in North America, and offers chocolate made with beans from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Peru, as well as confections and caramels. In this episode, Joe tells us about experiencing Mayan cocoa drinks and working on cacao farms as a young conservation volunteer, the many ideas he had to support these farmers that eventually led to building the Theo factory in Seattle in 2005, and why organic certification is important to them. Please join us in tasting the Bread and Chocolate bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on Theo, head to their website (www.theochocolate.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 50% discount on their fantasy bar line, including the Bread and Chocolate bar, from now until October 15, 2017. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis.com (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by BeanBarYou.com.au (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Audible: Get a free audiobook of your choice and free 30-day trial at www.audibletrial.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

Theo Chocolate was founded in 2006 by Joe Whinney and Debra Music and is based in Seattle, USA. The company is known as being the first organic, fair-trade certified, bean-to-bar chocolate maker in North America, and offers chocolate made with beans from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Peru, as well as confections and caramels. In this episode, Joe tells us about experiencing Mayan cocoa drinks and working on cacao farms as a young conservation volunteer, the many ideas he had to support these farmers that eventually led to building the Theo factory in Seattle in 2005, and why organic certification is important to them. Launching September 22, 2017. Please join us in tasting the Bread and Chocolate bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on Theo, head to their website (www.theochocolate.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 50% discount on their Fantasy Bar line, including the Bread and Chocolate bar, from now until October 15, 2017. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis.com (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by BeanBarYou.com.au (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Audible: Get a free audiobook of your choice and free 30-day trial at www.audibletrial.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

Cailo Chocolate was founded in 2016 by the Castillo and Carniello families and is based in Perth, Australia. The bean-to-bar producer sources its cocoa beans from the Bocas del Toro region of Panama and is known for small-batch chocolate bars that incorporate ingredients indigenous to Australia, such as ooray, lemon myrtle and mountain pepper. Hear from co-founder and chocolate maker Mark Carniello about his “aha” moment in Santa Barbara, California, shipping beans to the remote coast of West Australia, and bringing awareness to native foods through his flavor inclusions. Please join us in tasting the Ooray bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on Cailo, head to their website (www.cailochocolate.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount on all products, including the Ooray bar, from now until October 15, 2017. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis.com (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by BeanBarYou.com.au (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Audible: Get a free audiobook of your choice and free 30-day trial at www.audibletrial.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

Cailo Chocolate was founded in 2016 by the Castillo and Carniello families and is based in Perth, Australia. The bean-to-bar producer sources its cocoa beans from the Bocas del Toro region of Panama and is known for small-batch chocolate bars that incorporate ingredients indigenous to Australia, such as ooray, lemon myrtle and mountain pepper. Hear from co-founder and chocolate maker Mark Carniello about his “aha” moment in Santa Barbara, California, shipping beans to the remote coast of West Australia, and bringing awareness to native foods through his flavor inclusions. Launching September 8, 2017. Please join us in tasting the Ooray bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on Cailo, head to their website (www.cailochocolate.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount on all products, including the Ooray bar, from now until October 15, 2017. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis.com (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by BeanBarYou.com.au (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Audible: Get a free audiobook of your choice and free 30-day trial at www.audibletrial.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

Cacao Hunters was founded in 2013 by Carlos Ignacio Velasco and Mayumi Ogata and is based in Popayán, Colombia. The company is dedicated to finding, preserving and promoting heirloom varieties of cacao in indigenous and post-conflict regions of Colombia. Currently, it supports more than 1,500 families growing cacao throughout the country. In this episode, Carlos tells us about his start in the coffee industry, finding “hidden treasures” in cacao varieties that have been hidden for years in the Colombian jungles, helping local farmers grow and sell better cacao, and the Japanese elements of his packaging design, inspired by his business partner Mayumi. Please join us in tasting the Arhuacos 72% bar and apologies for the slightly fuzzy audio from inside the chocolate factory. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on Cacao Hunters, head to their website (www.cacaohunters.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount on all products, including the Arhuacos 72% bar, from now until October 15, 2017. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis.com (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by BeanBarYou.com.au (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Audible: Get a free audiobook of your choice and free 30-day trial at www.audibletrial.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

Cacao Hunters was founded in 2013 by Carlos Ignacio Velasco and Mayumi Ogata and is based in Popayán, Colombia. The company is dedicated to finding, preserving and promoting heirloom varieties of cacao in indigenous and post-conflict regions of Colombia. Currently, it supports more than 1,500 cacao families growing cacao throughout the country. In this episode, Carlos tells us about his start in the coffee industry, finding “hidden treasures” in cacao varieties that have been hidden for years in the Colombian jungles, helping local farmers grow and sell better cacao, and the Japanese elements of his packaging design, inspired by his business partner Mayumi. Launching August 25, 2017. Please join us in tasting the Arhuacos 72% bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on Cacao Hunters, head to their website (www.cacaohunters.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount on all products, including the Arhuacos 72% bar, from now until October 15, 2017. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis.com (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by BeanBarYou.com.au (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Audible: Get a free audiobook of your choice and free 30-day trial at www.audibletrial.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

Marou, Faiseurs de Chocolat, was founded in 2011 by Vincent Mourou and Samuel Maruta and is based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The company is the first artisan chocolate maker based in Vietnam, and works in close collaboration with farmers, cooperatives and cacao experts to make Vietnamese chocolate a widely recognized origin for gourmet chocolate. In this episode, Sam talks about experiencing “chocolate withdrawal syndrome” when traveling as a French youth to Japan, the kismet timing of meeting his co-founder on a jungle trek in Vietnam, and the frustrations of organic certification processes. Please join us in tasting the Dak Lak 70% bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information, head to their website: www.marouchocolate.com. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis.com (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by BeanBarYou.com.au (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: Chocolate Alchemy: Supplier of the largest selection of fine flavor cocoa beans, chocolate-making equipment and volumes of free chocolate-making information. Use code "slowmelt" at chocolatealchemy.com to receive 10% off any retail cocoa beans. Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. Cacao Cucina: Reliable and rugged chocolate-making machinery built in the USA. Use code "SlowMelt10" at cacaocucina.com/contact-us for a 10% discount through September 1. Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

Marou, Faiseurs de Chocolat, was founded in 2011 by Vincent Mourou and Samuel Maruta and is based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The company is the first artisan chocolate maker based in Vietnam, and works in close collaboration with farmers, cooperatives and cacao experts to make Vietnamese chocolate a widely recognized origin for gourmet chocolate. In this episode, Sam talks about experiencing “chocolate withdrawal syndrome” when traveling as a French youth to Japan, the kismet timing of meeting his co-founder on a jungle trek in Vietnam, and the frustrations of organic certification processes. Launching August 11, 2017. Please join us in tasting the Dak Lak 70% bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information, head to their website: www.marouchocolate.com. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis.com (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by BeanBarYou.com.au (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: Chocolate Alchemy: Supplier of the largest selection of fine flavor cocoa beans, chocolate-making equipment and volumes of free chocolate-making information. Use code "slowmelt" at chocolatealchemy.com to receive 10% off any retail cocoa beans. Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. Cacao Cucina: Reliable and rugged chocolate-making machinery built in the USA. Use code "SlowMelt10" at cacaocucina.com/contact-us for a 10% discount through September 1. Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

Ritual Chocolate was founded in 2010 by Robbie Stout and Anna Davies and is based in Park City, USA. The company makes small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate by hand using classic European methods, and offers single-origin chocolate from Belize, Peru, Ecuador and Madagascar, as well as drinking chocolate and cacao nibs. In this episode, Robbie tells us how the grinder would keep them up at night when he and Anna began Ritual in their Boulder apartment, details the checklist they use when choosing a cacao origin, and shares a great story about the farmers behind the bar we taste in the show. Please join us in tasting the Peru Marañón 75% bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on Ritual, head to their website (www.ritualchocolate.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 20% discount on all products, including the Peru Marañón 75% bar, from now through October 15, 2017. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis.com (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by BeanBarYou.com.au (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: Chocolate Alchemy: Supplier of the largest selection of fine flavor cocoa beans, chocolate-making equipment and volumes of free chocolate-making information. Use code "slowmelt" at chocolatealchemy.com to receive 10% off any retail cocoa beans. Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. Cacao Cucina: Reliable and rugged chocolate-making machinery built in the USA. Use code "SlowMelt10" at cacaocucina.com/contact-us for a 10% discount through September 1. Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

Ritual Chocolate was founded in 2010 by Robbie Stout and Anna Davies and is based in Park City, USA. The company handmakes small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate using classic European methods, and offers single-origin chocolate from Belize, Peru, Ecuador and Madagascar, as well as drinking chocolate and cacao nibs. In this episode, Robbie tells us how the grinder would keep them up at night when he and Anna began Ritual in their Boulder apartment, about the checklist they use when choosing a cacao origin, and a great story about the farmers behind the bar we taste in the show. Launching July 28, 2017. Please join us in tasting the Peru Marañón 75% bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on Ritual, head to their website (www.ritualchocolate.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 20% discount on all products, including the Peru Marañón 75% bar, from now through October 15, 2017. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis.com (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by BeanBarYou.com.au (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: Chocolate Alchemy: Supplier of the largest selection of fine flavor cocoa beans, chocolate-making equipment and volumes of free chocolate-making information. Use code "slowmelt" at chocolatealchemy.com to receive 10% off any retail cocoa beans. Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. Cacao Cucina: Reliable and rugged chocolate-making machinery built in the USA. Use code "SlowMelt10" at cacaocucina.com/contact-us for a 10% discount through September 1. Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

Valrhona was founded in 1922 by Albéric Guironnet in the small village of Tain L’Hermitage, France, and is now also based in Brooklyn, USA. The company is dedicated to enhancing the flavors of rare cocoa beans, highlighting the land where the cocoa beans come from, and offers artisan tasting bars and baking products. It also operates its own four pastry and chocolate schools (two in France, one in Tokyo and one in Brooklyn), L’École Valrhona—for which our guest, chef Sarah Tibbetts, serves as the North American Pastry Chef—and cocoa plantations in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Hear from chef Sarah about the history of Valrhona, how they let the flavor of the beans determine the end products, and the difference between tasting and eating chocolate. Please join us in tasting the Manjari 64% bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on Valrhona, head to their website (www.valrhona-chocolate.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount on all products, including the Manjari 64% bar, from now through October 15, 2017. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis.com (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by BeanBarYou.com.au (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: Chocolate Alchemy: Supplier of the largest selection of fine flavor cocoa beans, chocolate-making equipment and volumes of free chocolate-making information. Use code "slowmelt" at chocolatealchemy.com to receive 10% off any retail cocoa beans. Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. Cacao Cucina: Reliable and rugged chocolate-making machinery built in the USA. Use code "SlowMelt10" at cacaocucina.com/contact-us for a 10% discount through September 1. Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

Valrhona was founded in 1922 by Albéric Guironnet in the small village of Tain L’Hermitage, France, and is now also based in Brooklyn, USA. The company is dedicated to enhancing the flavors of rare cocoa beans, highlighting the land where the cocoa beans come from, and offers artisan tasting bars and baking products. It also operates its own four pastry and chocolate schools (two in France, one in Tokyo and one in Brooklyn), L’École Valrhona—for which our guest, chef Sarah Tibbetts, serves as the North American Pastry Chef—and cocoa plantations in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Hear from chef Sarah about the history of Valrhona, how they let the flavor of the beans determine the end products, and the difference between tasting and eating chocolate. Launching July 14, 2017. Please join us in tasting the Manjari 64% bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on Valrhona, head to their website (www.valrhona-chocolate.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount on all products, including the Manjari 64% bar, from now through October 15, 2017. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis.com (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by BeanBarYou.com.au (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: Chocolate Alchemy: Supplier of the largest selection of fine flavor cocoa beans, chocolate-making equipment and volumes of free chocolate-making information. Use code "slowmelt" at chocolatealchemy.com to receive 10% off any retail cocoa beans. Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. Cacao Cucina: Reliable and rugged chocolate-making machinery built in the USA. Use code "SlowMelt10" at cacaocucina.com/contact-us for a 10% discount through September 1. Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

Askinosie Chocolate was founded in 2007 in Springfield, USA, by Shawn Askinosie, who left his job as a criminal defense lawyer to pursue his love of chocolate. The company has an articulated commitment to fairness, sustainability, minimal environmental impact and community enhancement and offers direct-trade chocolate from the Philippines, Ecuador and Tanzania. In this episode, Shawn shares his insights on transitioning from a career in law to working with chocolate, the two-year process Askinosie undertakes when finding a new origin, and their many inspiring successes with humanitarian programs. Please join us in tasting the 72% Mababu Tanzania Dark Chocolate bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on Askinosie, head to their website (www.askinosie.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount on the 72% Mababu Tanzania Dark Chocolate bar from now through October 15, 2017. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by Bean Bar You (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: - Chocolate Alchemy: Supplier of the largest selection of fine flavor cocoa beans, chocolate-making equipment and volumes of free chocolate-making information. Use code "slowmelt" at chocolatealchemy.com to receive 10% off any retail cocoa beans. - Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. - Cacao Cucina: Reliable and rugged chocolate-making machinery built in the USA. Use code "SlowMelt10" at cacaocucina.com/contact-us for a 10% discount through September 1. - Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

Askinosie Chocolate was founded in 2007 in Springfield, USA, by Shawn Askinosie, who left his job as a criminal defense lawyer to pursue his love of chocolate. The company has an articulated commitment to fairness, sustainability, minimal environmental impact and community enhancement and offers direct-trade chocolate from the Philippines, Ecuador and Tanzania. In this episode, Shawn shares his insights on transitioning from a career in law to working with chocolate, the two-year process Askinosie undertakes when finding a new origin, and their many inspiring successes with humanitarian programs. Launching June 30, 2017. Please join us in tasting the 72% Mababu Tanzania Dark Chocolate bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on Askinosie, head to their website (www.askinosie.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount on the 72% Mababu Tanzania Dark Chocolate bar from now through October 15, 2017. You can also purchase an exclusive bar bundle, including all nine bars featured in the Makers Series, at Chocolopolis (in the U.S.; use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount), and find most of the bars in a subscription box by Bean Bar You (in Australia). This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: - Chocolate Alchemy: Supplier of the largest selection of fine flavor cocoa beans, chocolate-making equipment and volumes of free chocolate-making information. Use code "slowmelt" at chocolatealchemy.com to receive 10% off any retail cocoa beans. - Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. - Cacao Cucina: Reliable and rugged chocolate-making machinery built in the USA. Use code "SlowMelt10" at cacaocucina.com/contact-us for a 10% discount through September 1. - Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

There are so many incredible makers who are part of the emerging craft chocolate movement and bigger markets, we decided to create a series highlighting them. Our Makers Series will introduce you to chocolate makers from all over the world, crafting chocolate at origin and abroad. Join us for interactive chocolate tastings guided by each maker. Hear the stories of origins and inspiration from the very people who created the chocolate. SOMA Chocolatemaker was founded in 2003 by David Castellan and Cynthia Leung and is based in Toronto, Canada. The company has since grown to two stores, a small chocolate factory and a network of wholesalers. SOMA says it is “propelled by the love and curiosity of all things chocolate” as the company continues to seek out great cacao and explore more ingredients. In this episode, we’ll hear about David’s start as a pastry chef back before people spoke about chocolate origins, Cynthia’s ever-creative forays into flavor—both successful and not—and the difference between a chocolate maker and a chocolatier. Please join us in tasting the Porcelana 70% bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on SOMA, head to their website (www.somachocolate.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 10% discount on the Porcelana 70% bar from now until October 15, 2017. You can also purchase a bar bundle featuring all nine bars for the entire Makers Series at Chocolopolis.com (use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount) and subscribe to BeanBarYou.com.au (in Australia) and receive most of the bars in a specialty subscription box. This episode is brought to you with the kind support of these sponsors: - Cacao Cucina: Reliable and rugged chocolate-making machinery built in the USA. Use code "SlowMelt10" at cacaocucina.com/contact-us for a 10% discount through September 1. - Chocolate Alchemy: Supplier of the largest selection of fine flavor cocoa beans, chocolate-making equipment and volumes of free chocolate-making information. Use code "slowmelt" at chocolatealchemy.com to receive 10% off any retail cocoa beans. - Rottar Grinders: Chocolate grinders designed and built by a chocolate maker in the USA. Learn more at www.rottar.com. - Blue Apron: $30 off your first order with free shipping at blueapron.com/chocolate. Soundtrack: "Soldier" by The Slackers. Hear more at theslackers.com.

There are so many incredible makers who are part of the emerging craft chocolate movement and bigger markets, we decided to create a series highlighting them. Our Makers Series will introduce you to chocolate makers from all over the world, crafting chocolate at origin and abroad. Join us for interactive chocolate tastings guided by each maker. Hear the stories of origins and inspiration from the very people who created the chocolate. SOMA Chocolatemaker was founded in 2003 by David Castellan and Cynthia Leung and is based in Toronto, Canada. The company has since grown to two stores, a small chocolate factory and a network of wholesalers. SOMA says it is “propelled by the love and curiosity of all things chocolate” as the company continues to seek out great cacao and explore more ingredients. In this episode, we’ll hear about David’s start as a pastry chef back before people spoke about chocolate origins, Cynthia’s ever-creative forays into flavor—both successful and not—and the difference between a chocolate maker and a chocolatier. Launching June 16, 2017. Please join us in tasting the Porcelana 70% bar. Learn more at theslowmelt.com. For more information on SOMA, head to their website (www.somachocolate.com), and use code “slowmelt” for a 10% discount on the Porcelana 70% bar from now until October 15, 2017. You can also purchase a bar bundle featuring all nine bars for the entire Makers Series at Chocolopolis.com (use code “slowmelt” for a 15% discount).

Part 2: Although cacao’s birthplace is across the upper Amazon in South America, 70 percent of cacao comes from West Africa. In this two-part episode, we’re exploring the history and politics of chocolate and meet the farmers who make it all happen. Last week, you heard from Rick Scobey, president of the World Cocoa Foundation, and author and journalist Órla Ryan, who spoke about the historical significance and present-day cultivation of cocoa in Africa. Today, Simran Bindra, director of East African cocoa supplier Kokoa Kamili in Tanzania, explains the growing popularity of specialized varieties. (Episode image courtesy of Kokoa Kamili.) Learn more at theslowmelt.com. This show is brought to you by Audible. Get a free audiobook of your choice and free 30-day trial at www.audibletrial.com/chocolate. If you like what you hear, please consider making a donation to support a second season at theslowmelt.com/donate/

Although cacao’s birthplace is across the upper Amazon in South America, 70 percent of cacao comes from West Africa. In this two-part episode, we’ll explore the history and politics of chocolate and meet the farmers who make it all happen. In part one, you’ll meet Rick Scobey of the World Cocoa Foundation and author and journalist Órla Ryan, who will talk about the historical significance and present-day cultivation of cocoa in Africa. In part two, Simran Bindra of Kokoa Kamili explains the growing popularity of specialized varieties. Guests include: Rick Scobey, president of the World Cocoa Foundation, who explains the kinds of cocoa grown in West Africa and the CocoaAction initiative. Órla Ryan, author of Chocolate Nations: Living and Dying in West Africa and journalist at the Financial Times, on the history of cocoa cultivation in West Africa. Simran Bindra, director of Tanzanian cocoa supplier Kokoa Kamili, on what happens when a country known for commodity cacao starts to grow more specialized varieties (in part two). Learn more at theslowmelt.com. This show is brought to you by Audible. Get a free audiobook of your choice and free 30-day trial at www.audibletrial.com/chocolate. If you like what you hear, please consider making a donation to support a second season at theslowmelt.com/donate/