HONOLULU (KHON2) -- National Chocolate Day is today, Monday, Oct. 28; and it's the perfect time to delve into the rich world of chocolate and its fascinating history.
At the heart of this exploration is Dr. Nat Bletter, an ethnobiologist and the founder of and flavormeister for Madre Chocolate, Oʻahu's first bean-to-bar chocolate maker.
Known for his passion and expertise, Dr. Bletter has garnered 28 awards for his exceptional chocolates, making him one of the most celebrated chocolate makers in the industry.
KHON2.com was able to catch up with Dr. Bletter to talk about chocolate as we celebrate this most excellent confection.
The origins of chocolate
Chocolate has a long and intriguing history. Dr. Bletter explained, “Every year, the origins of chocolate gets pushed further back in time and further south.”
The earliest evidence of cacao usage, at this point, comes from the Moche people in present-day Ecuador. They used the cacao seeds long before it became the sweet treat we know today.
“They were probably using the fruit because it is a fruit, and it has this delicious pulp around the seeds,” Dr. Bletter noted. The pulp, he added, tastes like a mix of tea and sour sap, reminiscent of mangosteen.
For millennia, people likely consumed the fruit and discarded the seeds.
“It makes me sad to think about all the last chocolate bars that people could have had,” Dr. Bletter shared. But curiosity led to innovation.
Eventually, someone decided to taste the seeds, which were bitter when fresh. “It has to go through a fermenting process to reduce the bitterness and develop a lot of the nice chocolaty flavors,” explained Dr. Bletter.
The process of making chocolate is intricate. The cacao seeds must be fermented, dried, roasted and ground. Dr. Bletter theorizes that the discovery of chocolate was a serendipitous moment in time.
“It’s always kind of a mystery how people discover these processes,” he said. “But because they were already fermenting the fruit to make beer or wine, they stumbled upon the idea of fermenting the seeds.”
Chocolate's health benefits
Beyond its delightful taste, chocolate offers several health benefits. Dr. Bletter explained.
“Cacao has many properties that can be beneficial for health, including stimulating effects,” he noted. The people of ancient South America used cacao not just for pleasure but for its stimulating effects, similar to how some cultures utilize coca leaves to treat altitude sickness.
“In some parts of Latin America, people were likely using stimulants that were easier to consume than chocolate,” he said.
Chocolate’s complexity doesn’t stop there. It also has rich nutritional value.
“When consumed in moderation, it can be a source of antioxidants and has been linked to improved mood and cognitive function,” Dr. Bletter added.
His passion for chocolate intertwines with his background in studying medicinal plants, allowing him to appreciate the depth of cacao’s benefits.
The art of chocolate making
Dr. Bletter distinguishes between a chocolatier and a chocolate maker.
“I specialize in turning the cocoa fruit into a delicious chocolate bar,” he stated. “Chocolatiers take the chocolate that we have made and turn it into confections, truffles and other treats. I’m trying to bring sexy back to the word chocolate maker.”
Madre Chocolate focuses on highlighting the unique flavors of cacao from different regions. This concept, known as terroir, is essential in both wine and chocolate making.
“Just as a Pinot Noir from France tastes different from one from California, cacao has its unique flavor profile based on where it’s grown,” Dr. Bletter explained. “If you don’t like the taste of a specific cacao, just go a couple of miles over, and you’ll find a completely different flavor.”
During farm tours to see and experience Madre Chocolates cacao trees, visitors experience what Dr. Bletter calls the “chocolate epiphany”.
“People realize they’re tasting chocolate where the only difference is where it was grown,” he said. “One might taste like Oreos, another like marzipan. All those differences come from the farmers’ work.”
The sweet experience of farm tours
Madre Chocolate offers engaging farm tours that allow visitors to dive deeper into the chocolate-making process.
“Our tours are $50 for adults and half price for kids under 16,” Dr. Bletter shared. The three-hour tours take place on the west side of Oʻahu, where participants can see the cacao trees, taste fresh cacao and its pulp juice and experience the various stages of chocolate production.
One of the highlights is making frozen chocolate-covered bananas.
“You get to customize them with all kinds of plant ingredients,” Dr. Bletter said. “It’s really nice, especially after walking around the farm. It’s a refreshing treat that connects to my early discoveries of chocolate in Guatemala.”
Dr. Bletter’s commitment to sharing the chocolate journey goes beyond just tasting. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging cacao farmers.
“If you have a good chocolate bar, don’t thank me. Thank the farmers,” he insisted. “They do the hard work of growing and fermenting, which provides about three-quarters of the flavor of the finished chocolate bar.”
The recognition of excellence
With 28 awards under his belt, Dr. Bletter’s chocolates stand out for their quality and taste. He believes in the significance of recognizing the farmers’ contributions.
To promote this, he worked with the Big Island Chocolate Festival and Cacao Awards. “We wanted to ensure that the farmers get more recognition,” he explained. The awards celebrate the craftsmanship of chocolate makers and the quality of cacao from different farms.
“Our goal is to highlight individual flavors of each cacao farm,” Dr. Bletter explained. “We judge submissions from all around the islands and award those who excel.”
The commitment to quality has led to remarkable improvements in local chocolate production over the years.
A final word on chocolate
As we celebrate National Chocolate Day, it’s essential to appreciate the journey of chocolate -- from the cacao farms to the bars we enjoy.
Dr. Bletter’s work at Madre Chocolate embodies this journey and celebrates both the craft of chocolate making and the dedication of farmers.
“Chocolate is one of the world's most beloved treats,” Dr. Bletter added, summing up his passion. “It connects people across cultures and histories. And there’s always something new to discover.”
Whether you’re tasting a bar from Madre Chocolate or enjoying a chocolate-covered banana from one of their tours, you’re part of a rich tradition that spans thousands of years and countless cultures.
You can click here to follow Madre Chocolate on Instagram. You can click here to find out more about Madre Chocolates farm tours and here to book your ticket. You can click here to purchase their locally made chocolates online.
So this October 28, as you savor your favorite chocolate, remember the story behind it and the people who make it possible. Celebrate with joy, knowing that every bite is a connection to history and craftsmanship.