Chocolate in the Raw

You've heard of "Sugar in the Raw"- now I'm here to introduce you to "Chocolate in the Raw." Yes, that's right, there is such a thing. And not only does it taste amazing- it is so good for you too! I had the pleasure of savoring some of Cloud 9's decadent creations. I wanted to find out more about how creator- Helene Leeds started the company. So, I bugged her to tell me more. The interview is to follow. Check out Helene on Fox's Master Chef which is to air next Monday and Tuesday, June 4th and 5th.

Do your "health" a favor and order some Gogi berry and raw chocolate- my personal favorite!

•  Helene, can you tell me: What was your personal journey that lead to your infatuation with raw chocolate?

While living in Switzerland, I was studying for my master's degree in nutrition. Part of the curriculum was on super foods. Chocolate was the one that peaked my interest- due to the far reaching longevity benefits. I was determined to find this food in its original form. Steeped in chocolate, I was on the hunt for raw, organic, pure chocolate. Nowhere could I find this authentic food. Everywhere I turned, the chocolate was laden withe creme and sugar. In the village where I was living I met a woman from Africa at the market. I made a request for an order of chocolate pods. She brought them to me the following week!


I will never forget opening the pods for the first time. Chocolate is truly magical. The tiny white sacs filled with chocolate nibs. Sweet, slimy and sour, pungent and stringent, this is an amazing food indeed.


Knowing of the health benefits and the power- I began to experiment and feed the ones I love and quite honestly, they all disliked raw chocolate. I was determined to find a recipe that they would all love and be able to embrace. Twelve years later- I have evolved the recipe to what it is today.


The long and short of it really is, that the knowledge and power of raw chocolate ignited my love  for it, and those around me get to benefit. This is where my "infatuation" with raw chocolate all began.

• Great story! So I can't help but ask: Why raw chocolate?

Raw chocolate is authentic- the real deal. It contains the purest form of super food nutrition. 

Any other kind of chocolate would be a compromise and a choice toward the pure pleasure of life- but without the transformation.

Raw chocolate shows that being healthy can be fun! It means being able to explore the abundant benefits of this delicious food. 

• So, how would I go about choosing a healthy chocolate?

The average consumer should know that chocolate is a medicinal super food. It is to be consumed with caution and frequently in small amounts. It is acidic in nature and is a powerful food, that should be used with respect.

I would recommend not consuming chocolate that has been heated. I would also be aware of supporting fair trade- which ensures the grower gets a fair wage for their labor.

It is also best to consume chocolate that is not combined with milk and white sugar- since it compromises the integrity of the raw chocolate.

• Fantastic! I am ready to try some right now! What flavors do you offer and how can I get my hands on some delicious and nutritious Cloud 9 raw chocolate?

We currently offer 4 flavors: Cranberry Pecan, Walnut, Original, and Macadamia Goji-berry. We also offer limited time flavors of the month. These flavors are announced as they are prepared. Three sizes are available: 25 grams for $5; 50 grams for $9; and 100grams for $17.

Ordering is available on our website: www.cloud9rawchocolate.com as well as on Amazon, and through our Facebook page.  Additionally, if you would like your favorite local store to carry our chocolate, requests from customers help to speed up the process!

• I must say, I  truly am on Cloud 9 when I'm enjoying your chocolate. And everyone- you have to taste it for yourselves to believe it!

Here's to a Healthy Glass of Vino

It's true when you're not looking for something, it suddenly appears right before you! It's been a hope of mine to find a local vineyard that makes organic wine. 

Then low and behold I find a Buck's county winemaker and restaurant owner- Luigi Desiato. I recently got a chance to meet him at a raw food event where I enjoyed sampling his cold distilled wine. My favorite wine from Fratelli Desiato Vineyards, has been the Rose Blush- delightfully light on the tongue and super low in sulfites. 

Econize is applauding Luigi for using sustainable business practices. He grows the grapes on his land, uses bio-fuel to run his tractor, uses old world style wine making techniques without using animal products, and composts the lees (used grape matter) back into the soil. And in his restaurant- Mamma D's, he even uses solar panels to run the equipment. 

Both the restaurant and vineyard are destinations worthy of visiting. To make it all the more inviting they are nestled in among rolling green farmland and antique shops, which PA is known for. After talking to Luigi's son Nick, who is also chef, I will most definitely be stopping by and sampling the free wine flight during lunchtime on a 

Saturday and having some freshly made calamari with a glass of traditional Desiato Chianti.

Countdown to 200 Winner!

We've hit 200 fans on Facebook! Congrats to...

Trisha Amanda Bootsma

Thank you for being a fan of our page! This eco-prize pack includes a stainless steel reusable water bottle, recycled water bottle pen, eco-cute mouse-pad, recycle logo laundry bag!

(Trisha- we'll message you on Facebook to make delivery arrangements.)