Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does Chocolate Make You Happy?
Chocolate contains a number of compounds associated with chemicals that are released by the brain when you are happy or when you fall in love, like Tryptophan, an amino acid, or the natural anti-depressant, phenylethylamine. Ultimately this results in the brain producing serotonin for happy feelings, it’s not thought to be in enough quantity in chocolate to make a difference. Maybe it's just the enjoyment of the combination of taste, smell, and texture that is enough to bring all those lovely warm feelings of happiness to our bodies.
How is Chocolate Made?
Chocolate comes from a tree called Theobroma Cacao. There are 4 varieties: Criollo, Forastero, Trinitario and The Nacional. After the seeds of the Cacao tree are harvested, they are processed by first being fermented for 2-8 days. Then they are dried, cleaned and roasted. The outer shell is removed and becomes cocoa nibs which are then ground into a cocoa mass which can be separated into cocoa butter or cocoa solids.
Is Chocolate Gluten-Free?
Generally chocolate is gluten-free. Gluten is a protein that is found in grains, Cocoa is a bean. However, some recipes may add gluten-containing ingredients or be made in an environment where gluten is present. You should always check the labelling carefully. Miss Witt’s chocolate does not contain any gluten and her kitchen is generally a gluten-free environment but anyone attending a workshop with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance does so at their own risk.
Is Chocolate Vegan?
Generally raw and dark chocolate is vegan. When chocolate is described as ‘Milk Chocolate’ it does mean milk is added. Whilst Miss Witt’s dark chocolate is vegan, she does use milk in her milk chocolate, but if you were attending a workshop as a vegan or you have a dairy allergy and wanted to substitute your chocolate with a vegan alternative, talk to Miss Witt about what milk alternative you could introduce.
Where Does Chocolate Grow?
Cocoa trees grow within 20 degrees north and south of the equator, all around the world. Dominican Republic, Brazil, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, India, Indonesia and many countries in between. Miss Witt’s Favourite chocolate is grown in Ecuador and Madagascar. Cocoa is a delicate, sensitive plant. It requires lots of rain and high temperatures to grow, as well as rainforest canopies to offer shade and protection from direct sunlight and wind.
What is Ethical Chocolate?
For many years, the chocolate industry has been beset by serious issues around poverty, child labour and environmental destruction. Recently some steps in the right direction are starting to be made as the world becomes more interested in fair trade and economic sustainability. It is important to Miss Witt that the companies that she buys her chocolate from are closely involved with the individual farmers –having long-term contracts to give them security. Single-origin is important and buying directly from these farmers to cut out the middle man who would take away the profit from the growers and the producers. For instance, Miss Witt buys some of her chocolate from Chocolat Madagascar. They are part of an organisation called ‘Raise Trade’. This is better than Fairtrade and works towards Boosting the value of a product in its country of origin. Reducing
the economic gap between rich and poor countries.
Can I Book a Private Chocolate Workshop?
Yes. We can comfortably fit 10 adults and 12 Children at our custom-built kitchen in Sway. We would be more than happy to arrange a personalized event for you. Contact Miss Witt on Sales@chocolatebymisswitt.com or call on o7855 787638
Can Miss Witt Run a Chocolate Workshop at my Location?
Within reason yes! clearly travel expenses would be included. Miss Witt is happy to travel to a location of your choice within her local area of The New Forest, if further afield, just ask!