Although I was excited, would did I actually expect from this class? I found myself fantasizing about it. Perhaps we would spend two and a half hours of feasting on the finest Snickers Bars and Reeses Cups. Maybe we would have chocolate baths like the ones I saw on the Hershey Park brochure. The anticipation was killing me.
The first day was like a slap in the face to all chocolate lovers around the world. We watched a documentary on the large number of child slaves in the cocoa bean industry. Is this a shock to you? It was to me. The cocoa industry is one of the largest culprits of child trafficking and children workers. Depressed and not craving chocolate at all, we all sank into our seats. This was NOT what we signed up for. Where were the chocolate fountains and brownies galore? Our professor reassured us that the film was not meant to scare us or prevent us from buying chocolate. It was merely to keep us informed about world issues. In most parts of Africa where the cocoa is produced, the cocoa companies are actually the village's main source of income. So although we might be encouraging child labor by buying chocolate, we would basically be starving a village if enough people chose not to. You get to be the judge of the lesser of two evils.
We had a week until the next class to think about what we learned. I seriously considered switching out of the class because I was taking a similar course that dealt with the ethics of globalization. One depressing class a semester is enough for me. On top of that, I have to walk to the other side of Florence at night to get to class. The idea of me wandering around alone at night did not sit right with my fiance or parents. The next week we were pleasantly surprised. CHOCOLATE BAR TASTINGS! Almost everyone ignored the lecture. How could we pay attention to a boring old slide show when we were getting gourmet chocolate? Our mouths watered at the sight of the glorious foil wrapped bars. We left class energized, full and happy. The next week was the same. We tasted chocolate spreads which included the lovely Nutella (though Nutella is pretty low quality around these parts of town). We basically licked the jars clean.
I have about three more months of wonderful chocolate tastings and visits to nearby gelaterias. Next week, we are even making chocolate bars (an ability that will surely make me into an excellent wife. You're welcome Michael). Though in my mind, I am basically taking the best class in the world, I can't forget what it takes for me to enjoy my tastings in class. I have done research on Fair Trade, an organization which is slowly helping stop child labor in big chocolate businesses, so I can sleep a little easier at night. Who knew that the ridiculous argument that I made in order to get the class approved would actually turn out to be true? Don't get me wrong, I'm probably not going to remember my lecture in class when I am sipping hot chocolate on Christmas morning but for now, I am more conscientious about where products come from.
Are you in Florence and looking for some amazing chocolate products?
Here are my recommendations:
- Venchi
- Pegna
- Enoteca Alessi
- Carapino Gelateria
Want to feel good when eating chocolate? Look for the Fair Trade labels.