Happy World Chocolate Day!

Winter Solstice is my favorite day of the year because the daylight hours begin to increase, and there’s hope in the winter darkness. I could use a little winter chill right now in the heat of summer, actually!

World Chocolate Day COULD be my favorite day of the year … and yet every day is chocolate day for me, haha!

So today, July 7th, is World Chocolate Day.

World Chocolate Day is celebrated globally on July 7 each year. This date is believed to mark the anniversary of chocolate's introduction to Europe, specifically around 1550, when Spanish explorers brought cacao from the Americas. The modern observance of World Chocolate Day began in 2009, as a way to celebrate chocolate's rich history and cultural significance.

I’d consume dark chocolate regardless, but it’s nice to learn that dark chocolate (in moderation and of good quality) has health benefits! Here’s more info:

As you know, I study and am certified with The Himalayan Institute (HI), one of the only non-profit yoga institutions in the United States. Imagine my delight when I discovered that HI is the founder and home of Moka Origins, a coffee and chocolate company with its own farm in Cameroon that sustainably sources beans, pays farmers fairly, plants trees and invests in local communities. Find out more about Moka Origins social impact HERE.

And their chocolate is DELICIOUS.

I stopped in to the Moka Origins factory and cafe while on a culminating Sri Sukta retreat last year … several times ;) … and now have a subscription to their drinking chocolate. I gifted Jim a bag of the cold brew beans … Jim is a connoisseur of cold brew :) … and he gives it a thumbs up! My dad now drinks decaf due to heart issues … and you know how tough it can be to find decent decaf ;) … and he just gave a good review to the Moka Origins Decaf Swiss Water Process Coffee. Bonus, the swiss water process means its free from chemicals!

Note: I don’t get any kickbacks from recommending Moka Origins — I just love good chocolate, love that it’s a part of my alma mater, The Himalayan Institute, and love that both are doing good work for and in communities locally and around the world.

Let me know if you try Moka Origins chocolate or coffee — what’s your favorite? I might add some to my next order ;).