Eat chocolate with less guilt

Chances are that if you have a tongue and a pulse, you love chocolate. I adore it. Whether popping bits of a delicious chocolate bar with almonds, baking a flourless chocolate cake, or mixing a sauce with bittersweet chocolate for a tangy chicken molé, chocolate not only satisfies my sweet cravings but its acidic elements add complexity to the taste of my recipes. Being a chef and becoming conscious about the environment has induced me to find high-quality chocolate from reputable sources. Here are some tips to help you purchase healthier, better tasting, and environmentally responsible chocolate for all of your purposes:

Healthier Chocolate: For all its glory and wonder on the senses, from the instant rush of sweetness on the tongue to the euphoric stupor that follows, chocolate is not usually thought of for its health benefits. In fact, many chocolate products, and especially milk chocolate, can be detrimental to cholesterol levels, body weight, and can even contribute to-- if not outright cause -- tooth decay and diabetes. However, don't trash that Godiva just yet! Dark chocolate is most certainly healthier (and some would say tastier) than milk chocolate; it contains less saturated fat and more antioxidants than milk chocolate. And some chocolates on the market have been supplemented with sterol, a plant-based ingredient that has been shown to reduce cholesterol.

Fair Trade Chocolate: Tragically, many cocoa beans that are processed to make chocolate are too frequently grown and harvested on farms with forced child labor, sold for less than fair market value or are otherwise raised in inhumane conditions. However, in the past ten to fifteen years, some cocoa farmers have banded together to gain ownership of their farms, eliminate immoral child labor, and demand fair and competitive prices for their crops. Fair Trade Chocolate represents the result of their efforts. By researching and purchasing a brand of certified Fair Trade Chocolate, you can make a delicious (and socially responsible!) decision.

Organic Chocolate: Organic chocolate is produced with cocoa beans and other natural additives that do not include pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, fungicides, and other chemicals that degrade the sustainability of the bean and soil. The U.S.D.A. accredits various state farming associations to designate the chocolate that meets these governmental standards. As far as flavor and texture, I have found most organic chocolate to have a sharp, nutty, and complex flavor, as well as a fine crumb on the palette. (One of my favorite brands is Green & Black.) I have found conventional chocolate to have a sweeter (and therefore duller) flavor.