Not all chocolate is created equal! With the prominence of child slave labor and unfair wages for farmers, the chocolate industry definitely has its' dark side. Conscientious consumers do not have to give up their favor treat though. There are organizations around the world that source cocoa directly from sustainable farmers, providing fair prices for growers.

Milwaukee is home to one such organization, Omanhene Chocolate Company. Since 1991, Omanhene has worked directly with farmers in Ghana, allowing growers to sell directly to a company, cutting out the “middle man” and receive a higher profit for their crop. Since cocoa is a commodity crop, farm incomes in Ghana are subject to world cocoa price fluctuations. Ghanaian cocoa farmers have previously been forced to abandon their farms when world cocoa prices stagnate.  

On February 7th, the founder of Omanhene, Steve Wallace, will be co-hosting a fairly sourced chocolate cooking class at Wellspring Organic Farm and Education Center.  Wallace will share insights into the world of chocolate and while Chef and Organic Cooking Coach, KC Thorson leads cooking demos and tastings of an all chocolate menu. Students will go home with recipes for the evening’s dishes and knowledge of the world of chocolate. Omanhene fairly sourced chocolate will also be available for purchase in time for Valentine’s Day.

The class is $20 per person for those registered before Feb. 4th, and $25 after. Includes wine pairings and recipes to take home. For more information and to register, please visit www.wellspringinc.org or call (847) 946-5565.