Organic Dark Chocolates

admin — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 09:02:00 +0000

If you have a vice, you might as well indulge it responsibly. Shaman Chocolates' profits propagate Huichol communities and culture. Descendents of the Aztec, the Huichol population is approximately 18,000. They reside in the sierra of Jalisco and Nayarit, and their traditions persist despite the encroachment that ensued with the arrival of the conquistadors. Huichol ceremonies use peyote, and the people are known for vivid depictions of themes from nature utilizing beads and yarn. Shaman Chocolates—founded in 2002—offers non-Huichols an opportunity to enjoy the people's sacred food, cocoa being frequently used as an offering to the Earth.

Shaman Chocolates is not the first initiative for the Huichol organized by Brant Secunda. This adopted shaman facilitated the return of the Huichol to the Sierra Madres in the early 1990s, allowing the maintenance of their culture and crafts. His 'Dance of the Deer' foundation acquired the trucks and boats for the move, and provided the bricks and mortars for a school.

The bricks of chocolate come wrapped in attractive packaging, featuring photographs of Huichol individuals in colorful traditional attire. My favorite was the dark chocolate with raspberries, but the more innovative combinations—for example, the milk chocolate with Hawaiian pink sea salt and macadamia nuts—are also enticing. I've yet to experience the green tea and ginger varieties. Seeing that Shaman Chocolates allow me to consume with a conscience, it's clearly time to stock up on these Huichol sweets.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, October 10th 2009

Pomegranate Facial Nourishing Oil

admin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:03:00 +0000

By John Masters Organics

The pomegranate has a long history as a helping, healthy fruit. No less an authority than the (seventeenth century) Dr. Fothergill described as it among the plant species “most salutiferous to mankind.” Queen Hatshepsut's butler, Djehuty, attempted to pack one along in his journey to the afterlife. Its red, leathery hide, floral ends, and core of pulp-encased juicy purple kernels fascinated me as a child, although it struck me as a bit labor-intensive for a snack. I had no objection to grenadine in Shirley Temples at the same age. Recent research confirms the pomegranate's nutritional value—the juice provides sixteen percent of the suggested daily allowance of vitamin C. A symbol of fertility and vitality, you no longer need to be an Egyptian queen to access the fruit's powers: John Masters Organics offers a pomegranate seed oil to heal dry skin.

This organic cosmetic and cleanser provider now produces an oil that is more direct and fast-acting than a moisturizer. There are a total of fourteen oils, including rosewood, sage, sweet almond, and carrot—but the main ingredient is pomegranate seed oil. The user can either apply it directly or add it to moisturizer. It absorbed immediately and had a subtle non-intrusive scent. I acquired mine ahead of time for the Chicago winter, and now am confidently equipped, indeed.

Written by: Erika Mikkalo, September 15th 2009