Educational
Cocoa Runners launches new Tasting & Learning Course for young chocolate fans
The ‘Tasting and Learning Short Course’ is an interactive, online programme, designed for children aged 7-12, with three sessions taking place in the final week of August.
Nick Saxby, Communications and Business Manager at Cocoa Runners – and a former teacher, wanted to emphasise the educational value of the sessions: “We’ve really tried to design the course like a ‘mini-curriculum’. It should give children a strong basis of understanding for the world of craft chocolate,” he said.
The course, which consists of three 45-minute sessions, covers a range of subjects areas, including:
- In the first session, learners will be guided through chocolate’s curious history, and they will taste bars that demonstrate how chocolate has changed over time.
- The second session is all about the science of chocolate, and answers important questions like: How is chocolate made? And: How does flavour work?
- In the third session, learners will evaluate how chocolate impacts on the planet. They will explore how cocoa beans are grown, and the places and people that grow them.
“Children don’t want to be lectured; so we’ve made sure that the sessions allow lots of interactivity. Learners can ask and answer questions, share their ideas, and at the end, we’ll give out ‘Chocolate Explorer’ certificates so that they feel a sense of accomplishment, ” said Saxby.
Cocoa Runners is a craft chocolate subscription service and distributor. Their chocolate library contains hundreds of bars from dozens of the world’s best craft chocolate makers.
The small company is also passionate about raising the profile of, and educating people about, all aspects of the world of craft chocolate.
“We believe that craft chocolate is better for farmers, better for the planet, and better for consumers. We want to make sure we keep increasing the opportunities for a wider and wider audience to discover that too,” said Saxby.
- Anyone interested in the course can find more information on the Cocoa Runners website here.
