What a gift and blessing to be featured on this podcast as the author of this blog and craft chocolate maker at Island Sharks, This was years in the making and the podcast host rocks, so... Enjoy listening while drinking some ceremonial cacao alone or with some chill friends and community. This author and podcast guest is so grateful for the opportunity to share this conversation with you!
In the latest episode of WTFU, Ethan Swift, the founder of Island Sharks Chocolate, takes listeners on a journey through the jungle of cacao—from its origins and farming processes to its role in spiritual ceremonies. Ethan's deep research of cacao goes beyond the bean itself, touching on everything from farming, to chocolate tasting and cacao rituals to the ethical dilemmas facing the global chocolate industry. This enlightening conversation offers chocolate lovers, conscious consumers, and wellness seekers a fresh perspective on the sweet treat we often take for granted. Want some jungle-to-bar craft chocolate?
The time of each discussion subject is noted at the beginning of every paragraph heading.
Podcast Time: 3:23 * The Science of Cacao Fermentation: A Crucial Step for Flavor
Ethan dives into the complexities of the cacao fermentation process, which is essential for producing chocolate with rich, complex flavors. Cacao beans, he explains, must undergo fermentation before roasting, during which they lose their ability to germinate, essentially becoming "invincible." This step is vital because it transforms the beans chemically and enhances the flavors that will later be unlocked during the roasting process. Without this crucial fermentation, you wouldn't get the bold, nuanced flavors that characterize high-quality chocolate. So true. So true.
This process can be likened to the fermentation of coffee beans or even the aging of wine. Ethan emphasizes that cacao, much like coffee or fine wine, is a product of a careful fermentation, intentional processes that shape its ultimate flavor profile. Cacao pulp fermentation is the most difficult food fermentation in the world.
Not shared was that cacao flavor and flavor precursors are controlled primarily by strain, terroir, and fermentation. Wait, did this author, as the guest, evenshare that in the podcast? It's important to know. Maybe I forgot.
9:28 * Cacao: Not Just a Sweet Treat, But the Original Superfood
For many, chocolate is a decadent indulgence. But maker and speaker Ethan (me),, reveals that cacao is far more than just a sweet treat—it’s the original superfood. After years of personal experience with cacao, he discovered that the "high" people often associate with chocolate isn't due to sugar, but rather the powerful mineral content found in cacao. Full of magnesium, iron, and antioxidants, cacao is a natural energy booster and has numerous health benefits. Chocolate though, yeah, thats a just a sugar high.
In fact, listening explains that when this author and guest first tried cacao, I thought I was getting a sugar rush. Later, I realized I was actually experiencing a boost from the high levels of magnesium, a mineral that helps manage stress, enhance cognitive function, and support overall bodily health. Cacao offers a feeling of natural vitality, something that modern chocolate—often full of sugar and additives—cannot deliver. Now I doesn't use sugar in cacao. Only chocolate.
If you've made it this far listening or reading, you'd probably love my Chocolate-Sommelier Course text book, "The Bean - to - Bar Chocolate Tasting Guide". You can learn more here!
12:58 * The Legacy of Tom Sharkey: The Birth of Island Sharks
My cacao odyssey sweetly dovetails with the legacy of Tom Sharkey, a pioneering figure in the Hawaiian cacao community. Tom, whom the moniker, "Johnny Appleseed" of Hawaiian cacao belongs to, played (and still plays) a critical role in getting local farmers involved in cacao cultivation. He encouraged others in Hawaii to grow cacao, which has since become a growing industry on the islands. Thanks to him! And many others I name in the podcast. Want to know who else I shouted out? Listen now!
Originally, I got into cacao farming to learn about the craft, and Tom Sharkey’s work served as both inspiration and a foundation for Island Sharks Chocolate. Through researching Tom's work, Ethan learned about the nuanced practices of cacao farming, which eventually led to the creation of Island Sharks Chocolate as a business committed to quality, sustainability, and certified slave-free sourcing.
That led to me, Ethan, writing the blogs that you are reading now! Thanks for supporting my adventures by reading my writing, listening to my podcast appearances, sharing and enjoying my hand-crafted Hawaii chocolate!
Now for more great cacao info!
Wake The Farm Up: 25:06 * The Dark Side of Chocolate: Child Labor and Human Rights Violations
One of the most impactful discussions in this episode focuses on the serious ethical issues within the global chocolate industry. Ethan passionately speaks out about the widespread child labor and trafficking within cacao farming, particularly in West Africa. He gets hammered down on social media too by bots, trolls, hacks, pro-racists, child and freedom-haters as well as many many anti-black chocolatiers. Its difficult to get the message out... Cacao farms in countries like Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire are notorious for "employing" child laborers who are often trafficked from neighboring countries, working in dangerous and exploitative conditions. They aren't paid, its slavery. Not 'employment'. We know this. It is not a surprise nor is it as bad as lithium mining or cobalt mining. Not even diamond mining. Stop trying to suppress the issue. Its 200 years old and illegal mining is 15 years and running. It also is consider illegal labor and not child-slavery. THERE IS AN IMPORTANT DIFFERENCE.
Despite efforts by organizations like the International Labor Organization (ILO), which has labeled these practices as (not some of, but...) the worst forms of child labor, major chocolate companies like Hershey’s and Cargill continue to source cacao from these farms. They illegally profit from child-slavery. As an advocate, human-rights consultant and activist, I must stress the importance of transparency and ethical sourcing, noting that the US Customs & Border Patrol is not doing its job. You can be arrested for a Snicker's. For real, ask a lawyer.
48:27 * Cacao’s Sacred Role in Indigenous Ceremonies
Cacao has played a significant role in spiritual and ceremonial practices for centuries. The guest delves into the ancient use of cacao among indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica, where it was considered sacred. The Aztecs and Mayans used cacao not only as a currency but as a vital component in their religious rituals. Cacao was reserved for royalty and high priests and was often consumed in ceremonial settings to facilitate spiritual connection. Listen to the actual podcast to learn more!
In modern times, cacao has experienced a resurgence in the form of cacao ceremonies, where it is consumed in a ritualistic manner to open the heart and spirit. In the podcast, Ande and I discussed the rise of cacao ceremonies in wellness communities, and although they’ve become somewhat commercialized, he stresses the importance of understanding cacao’s deep cultural and spiritual significance. Definitely listen for an depth foray into this touchy aspect and ponder my growing perspective's level cultural sensitivity. Do I get it right? My goal is to be as socratic as possible.
56:55 * The Medicinal Qualities of Cacao: A Natural Stress Reliever
Beyond its cultural and spiritual significance, cacao is packed with medicinal properties. I highlight cacao’s rich magnesium content, which makes it an excellent natural remedy for stress, anxiety, and even certain health conditions like hypertension. In fact, some studies suggest that cacao can help lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and combat oxidative stress. Ande, holds space and asks the perfect questions here. Ande's reaction's to this info were priceless. But he more appreciated who cacao, as a medicine is only possible because of the greatest food forest in the world. The permacultural masterpiece that was the edible Amazonian jungle of 1000 years ago. It was a all giant garden. With chocolate. .and gold.
While most chocolate on the market is loaded with sugar and additives, as a guest I have to advocate for consuming pure cacao, which retains its healing (and ceremonial) properties. Ande notes my Doctor's research that cacao’s powerful antioxidants help combat inflammation and even fight certain cancers. When consumed in its raw form or minimally processed, cacao becomes a potent ally in supporting overall health. Ande was not super suprised to learn cacao can fight and kill COVID-19 too.
1:80:01 * Chocolate Sommelier: A New Profession for Chocolate Lovers
For those who have ever wanted to take their love for chocolate to the next level, Ande escorts the conversation to becoming a Certified Chocolate Sommelier. Just as wine sommeliers can discern the subtle flavors and aromas of different wines, a chocolate sommelier is trained to identify the intricate notes and textures in fine chocolate. The host understood, chocolate flavors are twice as numerous. Maybe he even got encouraged to explore the world of chocolate-tasting, wherein a replete palate and an understanding of how to evaluate chocolate’s flavor, texture, and aroma can become euphoric. A brain-gasm, at the least. Drink some cacao while listening to the podcast and you willhave one too! Its like ASMR, but everyone can feel it.
The pod goes on to discuss the Chocolate Sommelier School, a place where enthusiasts and professionals can learn to become experts in the field.
Ande, if you are reading this, your tuition is on me!
Chocolate tasting is an art and a science, and with the right training, anyone can appreciate chocolate like a full-time and aplomb taster.
1:39:07 * Cacao in Ceremony: The Role of Healing Plants and South American Rituals in Ethan Swift's Life
This author also chats and shares about cacao’s role in various plant-based ceremonies, particularly in South American indigenous cultures. Cacao is often used alongside other sacred plants like Ayahuasca, San Pedro, and tobacco in spiritual ceremonies. These plants are considered to have healing and consciousness-expanding properties that facilitate deep spiritual experiences. Cacao heals. Period.
Note that cacao... in these ceremonies, is often used to "open the heart" and prepare participants for a transformative experience. I remind listeners that nitric oxide in cacao dilates your veins up to 30%. Cacao is an important part of these ceremonies, it’s crucial to approach them with respect for their indigenous roots, healing factors and cultural significance. Maybe I am wrong about my perspectives on everyone using it? What do you think?
Ethan Swift and Jen Jones; Building a Sustainable, Slave-Free Cacao Business
The path to creating Island Sharks Chocolate wasn’t without challenges. After transitioning from a tech-focused career, I became deeply immersed in cacao farming, learning the ins and outs of growing and processing cacao with a broken neck and a broken back. One of the key challenges he faced was ensuring that his business operated ethically and sustainably, from sourcing beans to maintaining a healthy relationship with farmers. His, or this writers' lumbar herniation was debilitating and only allowed 2 hours a day of chocolate-making...In 2020 after starting Island Sharks, I had to stop working and became legally disabled. .
In the podcast, I share how my world-class and beautiful partner, Jennifer Jones, played (and continues to play) a pivotal role in helping the business survive difficult times, including his recovery from spinal surgery. A journey replete with aplomb, like this, underscores the importance of local community support, transparency, and fair trade practices in creating a business that prioritizes people over profits. Also the taste of chocolate.
Island Sharks' Subscription Services: Bringing Ethical Chocolate to Your Door
As a way to connect more people with high-quality, ethically sourced chocolate, Island Sharks Chocolate offers a subscription service. This service allows consumers to receive fresh, premium chocolate directly to their homes while supporting sustainable farming practices. Unlike mass-produced chocolate brands, Island Sharks is committed to paying farmers fairly and ensuring that no child labor is involved in the production process.
Click here to subscribe to our monthly rare Hawai'i Ceremonial Cacao.
Through your new subscription, you are not just buying ceremonial cacao or chocolate—they are participating in a larger movement that prioritizes our international child-slave free cocoa certification. Its the only child-slave free certification for cocoa in the world, ever.
While marketing can be challenging, it’s important to communicate the deeper value of your new sacred daily ritual—one that goes beyond taste and indulgence to include a commitment to human-rights and ending child-slavery in cocoa. You are also helping a disabled own business that gives 5% of our profits to veterans in Hawai'i!
Learn more about ceremonial cacao here. Click this for the experience. Click here for the 88+ nutritional benfits.
Podcast Time: 1:50:16 * The Joy and Mysticism of Cacao
Ande and I did not want to conclude the conversation by reflecting on the personal and mystical aspects of cacao, but it had to end somewhere. Cacao is a deeply spiritual plant, and working with it has led Ethan and Ande on an ongoing journey of self-discovery and connection to the earth. The connection with permaculture is immense! I also shares a lighthearted story about his own experience with the "elf" archetype, weaving in themes of magic, wonder, and the importance of connecting with nature and the sacred.
Cacao has the power to awaken deeper layers of consciousness, whether in celebratory ceremony settings or through daily-ritual ceremony. As the ancient taught us all, cacao is a gift from the earth, one that we should approach with reverence and appreciation.
Conclusion: Ethical, Sustainable, and Heart-Opening Cacao & Chocolate
Ethan guest appearance on Ande's podcast resulted in an enjoyable and informative conversation on WTFU, which is a profound exploration of cacao’s many layers—its history, its spiritual significance, and its role in building a child-slave free chocolate industry thats focused on permaculture. . Through Island Sharks Chocolate, Ethan, the founder and maker is not only delivering high-quality, delicious chocolate but also paving the way for a future where chocolate is produced with human-rights, our birth-right.
As we move towards more human-rights and a world of slave-free chocolate, the lessons shared in this episode are fundamental. Chocolate lovers, permaculture farmers and wellness enthusiasts alike are encouraged to look beyond the wrapper and consider the true source of their chocolate. The farmer. By choosing products like Island Sharks Chocolate, consumers can help drive positive change in an industry plagued by exploitation and environmental harm for over 200 years. Change your chocolate, you will change lives. - Ethan Swift
Want to feature and hold space for our message on your podcast or advocacy blog? Give a shout out now! Let see if we can raise the vibration of our audiences, together. Contact me right away!
I learned so much in this blog and laughed too! Ande is a great host and your courses are great ways to learn more!