Podcast 035: Cinnamon, Vanilla, & Cacao

Katja & Ryn discuss how these “exotic spices” came to be ubiquitous among Americans, and how we can learn from the history of plant trade, cultivation – including some bitter history and present affairs of colonization and slavery. We try to recognize and explore the chain of relationships between the farmers and ourselves, and give thanks and respect to the hands that touch these precious herbs.

A few resources on ethical cacao:

• Ethical Consumer’s shopping guide – goes over a lot of the major issues and third-party certifications (e.g. Fair Trade, Equal Exchange, UTZ, Rainforest Alliance, etc.
• Slave Free Chocolate
• 13 Fair Trade Chocolate Companies For Your Conscious Cravings

And, a couple great local chocolate makers:

• Apotheker’s – honey-sweetened!
• Taza

If you like our podcast, you might like learning from us in a more intentional way – like with our Family Herbalist program! It’s a great way to start incorporating herbs into your daily life, to keep you and your loved ones healthy and resilient all year round!

Our theme music is “Wings” by Nicolai Heidlas.