Thoughtful snacking to renew life -
from grower communities to you.

INTRODUCING GOOD KING SNACKING CACAO

 
 
“Every time I think I have settled on my favorite flavor, I taste another one and think, ‘hmmm... maybe this one is actually my favorite.’”
 
 

LATEST BLOG POST

 
 
“Good King has changed the landscape of chocolate in the most wonderful way. The texture is of a nut that has a hint of sweetness coupled with spices.”
 
 

FAVORITE CACAO SNACKS

 
 
“It’s a great food to put out at parties pairing with wine, cheese, or beer - it’s a relatively new food concept to most people making it fun for guests to try and a good conversation starter”
 

@GOODKINGCACAO ON INSTAGRAM

#sunset view from a #coffee plantation overlooking #cacao in the valley. Poetically, light piercing through dark clouds with this extraordinary story... . . . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @coagricsal began in 1998 as a coffee farming co-op. All was well until the coffee market became too unstable. They knew if they didn’t make a change, they would continue to watch their own members migrate to look for work to support their families - often leaving precious loved ones behind. In this family-oriented community, they would not just sit by to watch this happen. . . . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #Organic #cocoa (and #allspice) were planted as a complement to coffee, to help producers stabilize their income AND keep their families together. What started as only 10 producers has now grown to 500 producers of fine flavor, award-winning cacao. . . . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ C.S. Lewis said, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” We think our partners, their cacao and their destiny are indeed pretty extraordinary. . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #craftchocolate #specialtycoffee #cacaobeans #directtrade, #singleorigin, #vegan, #mondaymotivation #snackingcacao, #wholecacaobeans, #handcrafted #organic #fairtrade #healthysnacks
If you’re a chocolate lover, chances are you’ve seen the @washingtonpost article (reprinted by @seattletimes ) “Cocoa’s Child Laborers.” If not, it’s worth reading. . . . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Love this quote in response from Sophia Rea, @projet_chocolat. Indeed, the on-going challenges in cocoa are frustrating, heartbreaking and incredibly complex. We (no doubt, like you) desperately want to see change - FAST! . . . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “What makes the eradication of child labor such a daunting task is that, by most accounts, its roots lie in poverty.” As a social purpose corporation, we’re constantly challenging the status quo to find better ways forward. For now, we focus on three (have ?s – just ask!). . . .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1. We trade directly with cacao farmer co-ops. In 2018, our partners earned 67% MORE than the world commodity price. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 2. We partner directly with women in the community to perform value-added steps. This earned them 80% ON TOP of that higher price - bringing our total to nearly 4x the world price. And worth every penny if you’ve tasted their beautiful cacao! This is pretty unique – we don’t know of too many companies actively restoring income-earning steps to growing communities. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 3. We also train these entrepreneurial women to create finished products that can be sold locally. And our goal is that they will eventually create our finished products too! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . . .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Vote with your $$ - it will take ALL of us to change this! We recommend buying #chocolate brands who: create finished chocolate in origin, use a #directtrade or #transparenttrade model and/ or profit share (ask us for recs or feel free to tag yourself if you’re reading!). Or, look for certified #fairtrade (like our Honduras partners), #rainforestalliance (like our Indonesian partners) or #utz. . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #cocoa #chocolatelover #socialpurpose #cacao #cacaobeans #snackingcacao #economicjustice #sustainableagriculture #seattlemade #womenownedbusiness #changeagent #votewithyourdollar
I have become somewhat of a #cacao purist. I rarely do pairings unless they're exceptional. So when my kitchenmate Hannah from Pie Bird Bake Shop came in with flats of fresh, juicy and oh-so-sweet, organic, local strawberries from Hayton Farms for her incredible strawberry rhubarb pie, I can't help myself... . . . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I don't often enjoy the textural mix of crunchy cacao beans with juicy, fleshy fruit. But, this really works. The Harmony cacao beans' natural fats with a hint of salt melds with the strawberry's tanginess; while the berry's sweetness balances the bittersweet cacao. Simple, minimally-processed, "chocolate" covered strawberries that don't melt! Such a decadent summer treat (high in antioxidants too!). Pro tip - if your strawberries are this juicy, mix *immediately* before serving to maintain the crunchy, lightly caramelized coating of the cacao beans. . . . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Find @piebirdbakeshop and @haytonfarms every week at the Columbia City and U-District Seattle Farmer's Markets @seattlefarmersmkts. . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #pairings #fresh #local #strawberries #pie #crunchy #cacaobeans #juicyfruit #tangy #berries #bittersweet #summertreat #antioxidants #polyphenols #simplerecipes #minimallyprocessed #chocolatecovered #seattlefarmersmarkets #summerfruit #harmony #snackingcacao #healthysnacks #organic
#USDAOrganic. A little logo that signifies a BIG commitment to the health of people and planet. . . . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ After 2+ years in process – we FINALLY received our #Organic certification. I screamed out loud when I saw the e-mail. This has been a looooong road. . . . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Our partner #cacao farmer coop in #Honduras had been certified for several years, so I *thought* the hard work was done (and truly, it was)! I never imagined it would take 2+ years to certify @coagricsal women’s group for food processing, certify our operations, AND get the certifiers in Honduras and USA to agree the integrated whole was certified… #wedidit. . . . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It will still be several months before you see this little logo gracing our #Honduras origin labels. But it is coming! . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #directtrade, #singleorigin, #vegan, #GMOfree, #organiccertified, #seattlemade, #cacaobeans #snackingcacao, #wholecacaobeans, #handcrafted
Eat more nuts & seeds. A lot more (8x!). This was one of the main conclusions from a study published last week in The Lancet on the Health Effects of Dietary Risks in 195 countries, 1990-2017 (http://bit.ly/moreseeds). Did you know that #cacaobeans are the seeds of cacao fruit? The study recommends an optimal intake of 21g a day (based on a 2,000 calorie diet) to reduce your diet-related disease risk. . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Other conclusions were less surprising – reduce sodium (
#Fermentation – it may not look tasty [yet!] – but this is the place where much of #cacao flavor potential develops. We’re excited to share more about fermentation @pnwchocolatesociety tomorrow night! . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #snackingcacao is not #chocolate, but it has challenges that can lead us to better #chocolatemaking. Most #craftchocolate makers can blend #cacaobeans from different fermentations – either for a more complex and balanced flavor journey or to hide flaws. We can’t – because each #cacaobean is enjoyed individually. . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This means a few things for us: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1. We work with our grower partners to keep every fermentation batch separate so we can roast, blend and flavor according to that batch’s best potential, ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 2. We work only with #cacaogrowers who ferment exceptionally because we have nowhere to hide less than the best fermentation’s, and ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 3. Though we are not located in a growing region, we have the privilege of tasting the differences from batch to batch, at various stages in harvest and across harvests. .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Tomorrow night, we’ll be #tasting and #roasting #Indonesia and #Honduras #cocoabeans from different fermentations so you can taste the difference too! We hope you can join us! Link in the profile. . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #directtrade, #singleorigin, #vegan, #GMOfree, #womenownedbusiness, #seattlemade
(Spanish to follow ) Disclaimer: we are not launching chocolate. But, we’re too EXCITED not to share – heartfelt congratulations 🎊🍾🎉to our friends and partners @coagricsal – they have just opened their own #farmtobar #chocolate factory in Copan, #Honduras! .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Everything they do is beautiful. While we haven’t yet been able to try bars from their new factory, based on their #organic #fairtrade #cacao, perfectly #fermented and dried #cacaobeans, and incredibly talented team, we know their #chocolates will be exquisite. And, they are so hospitable (and visionary), they planned for #chocolatetourism - tours of their demo #cocoafarm & factory from the beginning. So, if visiting #Honduras and the #Copan #MayanRuins are on your #bucketlist, now you have one more tasty reason to visit (for their #coffee too). .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ As a side note - You might wonder (as we certainly did) whether #snackingcacao is still a good business opportunity for a coop that is able to make #beantobar chocolate. We’re thankful to say yes. Even as they were building their new factory - they planned a new space to continue processing shelled #wholecacaobeans, with future plans for creating the finished snacks with their amazing team of women. ...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ En español (con ayuda de google 😉): Descargo de responsabilidad: no estamos introduciendo chocolate. Pero, estamos muy EXCITOS de no compartir, de todo corazón felicidades 🎉🍾🎊 a nuestros amigos y socios coagricsal - ¡acaban de abrir su propia fábrica de chocolate #fincaalabarra en Copan, Honduras! .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Todo lo que hacen es hermoso. Si bien aún no hemos podido probar las barras de su nueva fábrica, pero basado en su #orgánico #comerciojusto #granosdecacao, perfectamente #fermentados y secos, y su equipo increíblemente talentoso, sé que sus chocolates serán exquisitos. Y, que son tan hospitalarios (y visionario), planearon para los viajes de su #fincadecacao de demostración y la fábrica desde el principio. Por lo tanto, si visita Honduras y Copan #ruinasmayas está en su #listadedeseos, ahora tiene una razón más para visitar (también para su #cafe). .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Continuado en comentarios...
#Love. Its true power is not in who or how many people love us (or don’t). Rather, its power and breathtaking beauty is best experienced in pouring ourselves out. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Our #cacao growing communities model this #loveinaction remarkably- ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Radical #hospitality that nearly always includes sharing a meal - offered with joy and a warm welcome whether or not the visit was expected. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Shared responsibility for family, home, business and community. A beautiful dance where everyone knows just when to step in to help – they need not be asked. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Generosity toward others that means quietly and deferentially going without so another can experience fulfillment. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ That’s the kind of love that changes me and calls me higher to a more #purelove. As we celebrate Valentine’s day today, who inspires you to pour yourself out? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ . . . . #snackingcacao #directtrade #singleorigin #vegan #GMOfree #betterforyou #womenownedbusiness #seattlemade #wholecacaobeans, #handcrafted #indonesia #honduras
The New Year caused us to ponder many things. Especially those things on which we spend our most precious time. So, we took prolonged time off social media to reconsider our mission here. . . . One of our tag lines has been, “Thoughtful snacking to renew life - from grower communities to you.” We want our collective experience on social media to be AS life giving as our snacks. From day 1, we’ve never wanted to perpetuate mindless snacking. We also hope NOT to perpetuate mindless, lifeless scrolling. . . . Going forward, rather than stay on the surface and only share pretty (and sometimes, not even that pretty) pictures, we hope to go deeper with you. . . . We will post less often, but more thoughtfully. We will share only the things that we believe will enrich your life. Because, in the end, we really want to create more harmony, love, peace, strength & joy (beyond the snacking cacao variety) for the world: both online and off. . . . Thanks for continuing to be a life-giving part of OUR journey!
#Christmas came early for me (Kim) this year. One of the most #thoughtfulgifts I’ve every received was a group gift from Las Mujeres de @coagricsal. They gave me a #handmadecard and oh-so-sparkly necklace and earrings. Words, tears and hugs were abundant. I love their #cacaobeans, but I cherish THEM and their incredibly generous hearts immeasurably more!! ... Translation: for: Kim. Thank you for your friendship, help and teaching. We hope you return soon!! From: Nolvia, Miriam, Maribel, Doña Mela, Hilda, Suyapa, Indira, July and Alejandra. I hope I return soon too! And now I wear a daily reminder of these amazing women - always close to my heart. ... #grateful #directtrade, #singleorigin, #womenownedbusiness, #cacao #snackingcacao, #wholecacaobeans, #honduras
These FABULOUS women (missing: Alejandra and Doña Mela). Mis amigas, mis compañeras... They are brilliant, extremely hard working, creative, supportive, kind and fun. And they (along with the growers and fermentation + drying team) are the reason #Harmony #snackingcacao tastes so good. Because “Harmony” perfectly describes how this team works together. . . . . . #directtrade, #singleorigin, #vegan, #GMOfree, #organic, #womenownedbusiness, #wholecacaobeans, #handcrafted #madewithlove
Class time! Having so much fun teaching our partners @coagricsal to make #snackingcacao with #localingredients and to develop their own recipes to appeal to their local market and export in the future! I can’t wait for the day. ❤️ . . . . . #directtrade, #singleorigin, #womenownedbusiness, #hechoenhonduras, #cacaodehonduras, #wholecacaobeans, #crunchy, #handcrafted
 

FEATURED NEWS

 
 
 
Pods and flower.png