Chocolate and food blog

Red Ants and Midgies: Nature’s Secret Allies on the Cocoa Farm

Discover how red ants and tiny midgies help cocoa farmers protect and pollinate their crops — a natural partnership behind every chocolate bar.

Small-Scale, Big Impact: Why Cocoa Fermentation Depth Matters More Than Equipment

Discover the science behind cocoa fermentation depth and explore accessible fermentation methods for smallholder farmers — from buckets to trays — that unlock fine chocolate flavour at origin.

From Fiction to Flavour: Bringing Vianne to Life in Chocolate

Discover the real-life inspiration behind Vianne — a tale of chocolate, storytelling, and shared passion. From the rainforest to The One Show, this journey blends fiction, flavour, and friendship in every bite.

What Does Chocolate Sound Like? The Sonic Signature of Flavour

Discover the overlooked symphony of chocolate — explore how sound shapes flavour, emotion, and anticipation in every bite.

"What Does Colour Smell Like? A Chocolatier’s Guide to Flavour Descriptions in Chocolate Tasting"

A sensory chocolate tasting guide that explores how colours like green, red, and purple describe chocolate flavours. Perfect for connoisseurs and curious chocolate lovers.

Mayan Legends: Stories to Savour with a Sip of Cacao

Journey into the heart of cacao through myth, flavour, and craft.
From the mischievous Aluxes to the love of Sac-Nicté and Canek, discover how ancient legends and modern makers protect the soul of chocolate. These are the Guardians of Flavour.

Everything In Its Place: Why Mise en Place Is the Unsung Hero of the Kitchen

Discover the timeless discipline of mise en place — the quiet preparation that powers every great kitchen, from Escoffier’s brigade to the chocolatier’s bench.

Ganache Mastery: The Secret Ratios Every Chocolatier Should Know

Unlock the secret to silky truffles and glossy sauces with our essential guide to ganache ratios, textures, and flavour infusions.

Natural Colour in Chocolate: Can Spirulina and Friends Play Nice with Cocoa Butter?

Discover how to colour chocolate naturally using spirulina, turmeric, and other clean-label ingredients – without compromising texture or temper.

"Painting with Chocolate: How to Create Beautiful Edible Art with Cocoa Butter"

"Chocolate painting, especially using coloured cocoa butter, opens a whole new world of edible art. Unlike traditional decorations, cocoa butter painting lets you create detailed, colourful designs directly onto chocolate surfaces, transforming simple chocolates into beautiful artistic expressions."

Cocoa Agroforestry: Sustainable Chocolate and Local Empowerment in São Tomé and Príncipe

Cocoa agroforestry is transforming the chocolate industry by promoting sustainable production, local economic empowerment, and ethical farming practices. On the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe—once known as the Chocolate Islands for being the world’s largest cocoa producer in the early 1900s—a cocoa revival is underway, reconnecting rainforest conservation with high-quality chocolate making. 

"The Ultimate Guide to Food Colouring in Chocolate: UK Regulations & Best Practices"

"Discover the best practices for using food colouring in chocolate, including UK regulations, synthetic vs. natural colours, and compliance tips for chocolatiers."

The Origins of Mother’s Day – and a Sweet Mayan-Inspired Celebration

"Explore the rich history of Mother’s Day, its ancient connections to chocolate, and celebrate with a Mayan-inspired virtual chocolate truffle workshop."

The True Cost of a Craft Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Bar: Fine Flavour Cocoa from Togo to the UK (£8 Retail Price)

"How Much Chocolate Can You Make from Cocoa Beans? A Step-by-Step Guide for Craft Chocolate Makers"

"Learn how much chocolate you can make from cocoa beans, with a step-by-step guide for craft chocolate makers."