Holiday Specials

Holiday specials! Check 'em out on our website - www.smithorganicchocolates.com !

Holiday Gift Ideas

Christmas Gift Ideas from Smith Organic Chocolates!

Here's a simple way to give organic chocolate this year! Our Holiday Holly box holds up to one pound of truffles, barks, or clusters...or even white chocolate peppermint pretzels!

We were again able to get ahold of organic candy canes and organic peppermint pinwheels that we crush up and use to drag our white chocolate covered pretzels in or - make White Chocolate Peppermint Bark.

We have holiday gift giving ideas for everyone and every budget! This particular item is great for parties, gift exchanges, hostess gifts, or for any chocolate lover on your list!

Check us out at www.smithorganicchocolates.com and click on Holiday Items. You can order this box under the box, then tell us what to put in it - OR - order it through the chocolate and select this as your packaging!

We have a Local Pick-Up & Delivery Option on our website for those who live in Lancaster County, PA. That was created to save shipping charges.

Follow us on Twitter and become a fan on our Facebook page! And...post a comment and let us know what you think!

Holiday 2009 Catalog Available

It's time for our Holiday Catalog! Smith Organic Chocolates is pleased to announce that our Holiday 2009 catalog is complete and ready to go.

If you would like a copy, please email us at smithorganicchocolates@dejazzd.com. It is available in hard copy or in Microsoft Publisher. The catalog was created in Publisher 2007, but it can be saved in Publisher 2003. A Word catalog is in the works, but may not be ready until mid-November.

We have several new packaging options this year, as well as our Snowman Tin tower from last year.

Some of our new packaging options include:

A Holiday Holly box for candy

Reindeer Tower Set

Peppermint Lovers Open Box set - shrink-wrapped

Some of our new candy offerings include:

• Peppermint Lovers Package


• Almond Lovers Assortment


• Peanut Lovers Assortment

We have gift options ranging in price from $2.99 to $54.99.

Check out our website at http://www.smithorganicchocolates.com/ for product information.

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to providing you with the latest nutritional chocolate and product information.

The holidays are only a couple months away!

Can you believe it? The holidays are approaching! It seems like summer was just a couple of weeks ago! (it was).

I heard a report on the news last week that said the early bird shoppers were already on the lookout for gifts - or they would be before the end of October!

Sheesh! I just started updating the website last week, and we're currently working on our holiday specials - which are pretty much the same as last year - we'll have some new products and a new packaging option for you!

And as always, gift certificates can be purchased directly from our secure website - because there's a lot to choose from!

We'll be keeping you updated about our holiday party. We're tentatively scheduling it for Sunday, November 29th from 2-5 p.m. We'll have plenty of free samples, holiday music, and show you our stuff! So....put that on your calendar - save the date!

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you the latest in nutritional information about chocolate and keeping you apprised of our latest products!

Chocolate for PMS? You bet!

Yes - evidently new research is saying that dark chocolate can be good for PMS!

Researchers and medical professionals already know that chocolate contains antioxidant flavonoids that help mood and heart functions.

Reseach is also showing that pregnant woman benefit from eating a bit of dark chocolate a day. We blogged on that a couple of months ago.

Now - I just saw in an article in Natural Products Marketplace, the current issue (October 2009) that new research is saying that women suffering from PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) can now take heart that it's OK to eat a bit of dark chocolate.

"And while women typically experience chocolate cravings at the onset of their period, new research is looking into the effect of dark chocolate on PMS symptoms. They already know chocolate can help improve mood and stress problems, and data is now revealing flavonoids in cocoa may protect the brain from oxidative stress, improving cognitive function."

So go ahead ladies - eat a bit of dark chocolate at the onset of your next period! It's actually good for you!

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you the latest in chocolate nutritional information as well as new product announcements and/or specials! What do you think? Post a comment and let us know!

PRODUCT SALE!!

You're invited to a PRODUCT SALE OPEN HOUSE - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th from 4-6 p.m. at our location - 30 3rd Street, Akron.

We're having a Sale! You remember that we did a wedding a couple of weeks ago!

Well - we have a few leftovers! We have some Organic Raspberry Truffles and some Organic Vanilla Bean Cremes!

Prices up to 50 to 75% off!

Give us a call or email us at smithorganicchocolates@dejazzd.com to order!

We also have some Organic Almond Bark "seconds" - a bit 'bloomed' but still very, very tasty!!

So come on over on Sunday, September 13th from 4-6 p.m.

First come, first served until all sale product is sold!

Sugar-Free Chocolate

Montezuma drank chocolate straight up! No sugar, no milk, just pure 100% chocolate!

Have you ever eaten 100% chocolate? Ugh! It's BITTER. Many people who are sugar-challenged for health reasons need to find a healthy chocolate that doesn't include sugar.

Depending on your point of view and opinion of what are termed "multi-level" organizations - there is a supposedly healthy organic sugar-free chocolate out there. We have not tried it. We merely report that it's out there.

Let's do a couple of definitions here. Let's look at what a multi-level organization is, plus a short review of some of the sugar alternatives out there.

A multi-level organization is one where the bottom level person sells the product. In order to get promoted in rank, that person then recruits everyone they know to become their distributors - and so on and so on up the chain.

Different sugar substitutes are out there. There's Zero, by Wholesome Sweetners. There's Agave Nectar, like a honey substitute. Honey itself is a sugar substitute. Since I'm not the nutrition expert, but my husband Kirby IS - (due to his 26 years in the natural products field) I asked him. His favorite is Xylitol because of its taste and digestability.

We've tried on a couple of occasions to formulate a sugar-free chocolate here at Smith Organic Chocolates. I've come to the conclusion that my experiments have gone wrong because I don't have professional processing equipment. Either that, or I don't know what I'm doing. :-)

All that being said, there is a new organic sugar-free chocolate out on the market. We have not tried it - we don't know if it's any good. You can Google it. It's called TRU Chocolate.

Smith Organic Chocolates brings you this Organic Chocolate Blog to educate and inform you of chocolate trends, nutrition information, and products. Please post a comment or become a follower! Thanks!

Our New Vanilla Bean Cremes

Since Day One, I've been threatening to take our Coconut Ball center and revise it. Our Coconut Ball is one of our most beloved candies, but some people, like me, don't like coconut. Coconut is one of those things you either like or you don't like. I don't like - but husband Kirby DOES like.

In formulating our new confection, I took out the coconut, and added real organic vanilla bean, vanilla 'Silk' and added organic vanilla extract - and voila!

An organic vanilla bean creme! A friend recently tried one for the first time. You should have seen the look on her face! You'd have thought she just ate the best thing ever! In fact - she SAID so!

"Ohymygosh! This is the BEST candy I EVER ate!" she exclaimed.

I had made some samples to send to a bride we were working with in Ohio for wedding favors. My friend, Renee Kopp, came over to help make 180 of these confections. After eating this, she said, "You HAVE to call them something different than just 'vanilla creme' - they're MUCH too good for THAT!"

A minute later, she cried out! "I've got it! Vanilla BEAN Cremes! Because you put in real vanilla bean!"

I said, "I LIKE it!!" So-o-o-o-o ---- now you have it! Vanilla Bean Cremes. Shown here in milk chocolate because that's what the bride ordered. They are now available on our website in quarter pounds enrobed in dark, milk, or white. A quarter pound will give you about 8 pieces of candy.

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you the latest in nutritional and product information as it relates to chocolate!

Candy and Chocolate Trends

In the August 2009 issue of Gourmet News, an article was published that confirms what I've been reading and reporting here in this blog.

"'Healthy' tops candy trends" states that "From its potential health benefits to its organic roots and inclusion as an ingredient in many types of sweet and savory foods, we have only begun to experinece the versatility of chocolate."

Wow! ONLY BEGUN to experience the versatility of chocolate! Oooooo!! That sounds good to me. The woman quoted in this article is Susan Smith, who is the senior vice president of the NCA (National Confectioners Association).

Smith Organic Chocolates offers healthy, but sweet candy and confections. We use 99.9% organic ingredients. One of our goals is to be certified organic in the next year or so.

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you the latest in nutritional value and organic chocolate news so you will be informed.

Become a non-family follower of this blog and receive a $10 gift certificate to use any time. Be sure to post comments and email us with comments and suggestions. Thanks!

Chocolate and Summertime

If you don't want your chocolate to look like this - (this is chocolate liquor (lick-koor) - what can you do?

The answer is: don't keep chocolate in the sunshine. You can refrigerate it or keep it in air-conditioning.

Chocolate melts at skin temperature, 98.6°. That's why it melts all over your fingers when you eat it.

If you're going to travel with chocolate, here's a tip. Freeze a refrigerant gel pack, then place it in an insulated lunch type container. That will keep your chocolates cool and delightful!

If you mail-order chocolate in the summer, the company will be sending along a refrigerant pack or two. Smith Organic Chocolates usually packs two in our summer orders.

You should also pay for either USPS Priority Mail or UPS 2-Day Air. The extra cost is worth it - so that your chocolates end up looking like the photo at left, instead of chocolate liquor.

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you the best information available in nutrition, product news, and general health information about chocolate.

Organic Chocolate Market Share is Growing

This is why we're here - to bring you organic chocolate. Earlier in our blog posts, we talked a little about why organic is better for you.

Face it, we're in business to make a profit. And since we're into the health benefits of chocolate (as well as the fun & sweet parts), today's post is educational in a different sort of way.

In an article posted on Creators Syndicate's website, it says that organic chocolate sales are growing, in spite of the recession.

"Despite the recession, overall chocolate sales rose 4 percent in 2008, to a whopping $17 billion. Organic chocolates are a bon-bon in the industry's 100-lb. box. But this is the nation's fastest growing snack - U.S. sales lept 450 percent between 1999 and 2007, jumping to $94 million. While figures are not yet available for 2008, vendors already forecast a rosy '09."

Even though we are a new company, only in our third year, Smith Organic Chocolates is growing in sales every year so far. We expect our holiday season to be quite busy and quite profitable. Our Internet website has already paid for itself in orders (and then some) for the year.

So...don't be afraid to treat yourself to some nice organic chocolates! Next time: a little bit about our new Organic Vanilla Creme Truffle!

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you nutritional information available and to encourage you to buy organic!

Chocolate and ALS - Lou Gehrig's Disease

Smith Organic Chocolates recently received business from what we would classify as an unusual customer.

I searched the Internet, I Googled. But I could not find a connection between Chocolate and...

ALS - or Lou Gehrig's Disease. Our new customer suffers from ALS, a disease that "affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body.

"The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed." (copied from the ALS website.)

Yet, our new customer says she feels better when she eats chocolate. She eats it every day. She was referred to us by her chiropractor, who was helping her find healthier chocolate to eat.

So - here's my disclaimer! I am not a scientist, I am not a health practitioner...but

Here's my opinion: (and my gut feeling)

We've been discussing the different effects of caffiene vs. theobromine in the body. We showed that caffiene gives you that "up" feeling, but you'll eventually come "down" from it, and it doesn't last very long, before you need more.

Whereas theobromine, the active stimulant in chocolate that is a close cousin to caffiene, gives you energy, and stimulates you over a period of time. You may get a feeling of "well being" from eating chocolate - a lot of people report that.

So...it's my guess that the theobromine in chocolate is helping to gently stimulate our ALS friend and helps her get through the day.

Remember, I said it was only a guess! If there are scientific studies on it - I didn't find them. What do you think? Post a comment and let us know.

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you up-to-date information regarding chocolate and it's nutritional value, as well as the value of eating organic.

Chocolate and Caffiene - Part III - not for DOGS!

It's a good thing yogurt was in this bowl, instead of chocolate, or we might have killed our dog Maggie a long time ago - before she died of "old age."


We've been discussing the misconception that chocolate contains caffiene. It does NOT contain caffiene. It contains theobromine, a sort of a stimulant that is similar to caffiene in chemical structure, but not in effects.


We talked about caffiene being like a sprint, and theobromine being like a marathon, releasing it's "stimulating" qualities over a period of time, rather than the quick burst of energy that caffiene provides.


In an article published on About.com, entitled "Chemistry of Theobromine" it says, "Cocoa and chocolate products may be toxis or leethal to dogs and other domestic animals such as horses because there animals metabolize theobromine more slowly than humans. The heart, central nervous system, and kidneys are affected. Early signs of thoebromine poisoning in dogs include nausea and vomiting, reltlessness, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and increase urination or incontenence. The treatment at this stage is to induce vomiting. Cardiac arrythmias and seizures are symptoms of more advanced poisoning."


Chocolate is a very complex food - kind of like wine is. It's important to know about the nutritional benefits of chocolates - as well as understand why our pets can't share in our delictable delight!


Next time: Chocolate and Lou Gehrig's disease

Chocolate and Caffiene - Part II

Last time we started our discussion about chocolate and caffiene, after a couple of friends told me they'd heard that chocolate had caffiene.

In my scholarly way, I told them that chocolate's theobromine is more like a precursor to caffiene, but that's not actually accurate either.

I also said that the differences between caffiene and theobromine is like two different kinds of races - one a sprint, one a marathon.

This time, we'll get into a little bit more detail. So...let's get technical.

In an article entitled "Chemistry of Theobromine: Chocolate's Caffiene Relative" published on About.com, they state "Theobromine belongs to a class of alkaloid molecules knowns as methylxantines. Methylxanthines naturally occur in as many as 60 different plant species and include caffeine (the primary methylxanthine in coffee) and theophylline (the primary methylxanthine in tea)."

Let's look at some caffeine levels in some popular drinks. Information gathered is from a table put together by Clark Goble Categories.

Coming at #1 is 8 oz. of drip coffee with 145 mg or 18.13 mg/oz.

#2 - 8 oz. of brewed coffee at 107.5 mg or 13.44 mg/oz.

Others include: 8 oz. of brewed tea at 47 mg or 5.88 mg/oz.; Coca Cola Classic - 12 oz. serving at 34.5 mg or 2.83 mg/oz.

I could list more but, you can access this information online.

Next time: why your dog should NEVER eat chocolate!

Chocolate and Caffiene - Part I

Recently, I had a couple of friends say they wouldn't eat chocolate in the evening because of the caffiene in it.

I snickered and said, "But there's no caffiene in chocolate!"

"There isn't?" My friend replied. A couple more friends joined in the conversation.

"I'd always heard there was!" "Yeah, I heard that too!" They said.

I said, "Theobromine is like a precursor to caffiene, but it is not caffiene!"

If you look at the chemical make-up of a caffiene molecule and a theobromine molecule, they are very similar, and they are both classified as alkaloids which have a somewhat 'stimulating' effect on the body, but the way they do that is different.

Think of the two like a race. One, caffiene, is a sprint...it's quick, and it's over. Theobromine's effect is more like a marathon - what you need over a longer period of time.

In an article posted on About.com Chemistry, "Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine. In general, theobromine levels are higher in dark chocolate (approximately 10 g/kg) than in milk chocolates (1-5 g/kg). Higher quality chocolate tends to contain more theobromine than lower quality chocolate."

Next time...more particulars...but just remember - there is no caffiene in chocolate! So don't worry about it!

Chocolate for the Baby!!

Expectant mothers - you can know that eating chocolate while pregnant is GOOD for BABY!!

In a study completed in Finland last fall, over 300 women were given varying amounts of chocolate while expecting children. The study then followed these women after the babies were born for six months.

In an article entitled "Chocolate for a Happy Baby" published online at http://www.westender.com/, the study found that expectant mothers who ate chocolate to soothe stress were more likely to have happier babies.

Isn't that a riot!?

The article states "The babies born to women who had been eating chocolate daily during pregnancy were more active and 'positively reactive' - a measure that encompasses traits such as smiling and laughter. The babies of stressed women who had regularly consumed chocolate showed less fear of new situations than babies of stressed women who abstained."

Scientists wishing to downplay the results said "while they could not rule out other factors, they speculated that the results could be linked to chocolate consumption...chemicals in chocolate could be passed from mothers to babies in the womb."

So...expectant mothers who love chocolate - don't be afraid to nibble on some while you're expecting! Your baby could be happier, which will bring you even more happiness!

What do you think? Is this hogwash? Post a comment and let me know.

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you the latest in chocolate news, products, and nutritional information.

Chocolate Sales are still climbing!

Chocolate is the main comfort "sweet" that people are purchasing as a "small indulgence."

In an Associated Press article published in our weekly Sunday paper's business section, it states that chocolate sales are climbing. We claim our share of that.

The article is entitled "Hot in recession: Running shoes, chocolate, Spam." It's tracking sales trends on what people are spending their money on. "Sales of chocolate...are up...Yet they still are willing to shell out for small indulgences and goods that make life more comfortable..." And "People are much more focused on their...immediate happiness and they're buying things they can use themselves...Lipstick and chocolate are small rewards that make you feel better."

The article goes on to state that Hershey's first quarter surged by 20% and beat predictions and expectations.

So - we claim our share of this. Smith Organic Chocolates is "the little guy" and we offer a far better quality product than Hershey's. Check us out!

We are dedicated to bringing you the best nutritional information, general product news, and trends in our chocolate world.

We're On Twitter Facebook & LinkedIN

Ok. We did it. We're on Twitter. We're on Facebook. We are not going to go to MySpace. But for those of you who are acquainted with the professional network of LinkedIN, we are also on that.

We have entered the 21st Century!

But we still make chocolates the old fashioned way - by hand!!

Organic Chocolate Has a Facebook Page all it's own

We now have our own Facebook page. You just need to access this link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Smith-Organic-Chocolates/77933627646?ref=nf#/pages/Smith-Organic-Chocolates/77933627646?v=info&viewas=1461849026

Just another way to keep in touch with you!!

Chocolate Powered Car!! I love it!

Photo credit: World First Racing
News story credit: www.foxnews.com/leisure "Chocolate-Powered 150 MPH Race Car Revealed"

Well, now they've done it! A team of British scientists have invested a part-vegetable/grain racing car that is powered by CHOCOLATE!! Can you believe it!?

As part of a biodiesel fuel, chocolate powers this prototype race car that can reach speeds of up to 15o mph.

I laughed my way through this article! I think it's terrific that scientists are experimenting with chocolate as fuel for cars! It's already known for "fueling" human beings!

What do you think? Post a comment and let us know.

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bring you the latest in chocolate and company information. There's lots more we could post, but we try to bring you the best of the best. We saw this on a news site and just had to post it for you!

Happy Mother's Day - May 10th

Mother's Day is just around the corner! Smith Organic Chocolates has some ideas to help you celebrate!

First, we have this solid chocolate Happy Mother's Day heart with a rose on it for $5.99. You can special order whatever kind of chocolate you want - milk, dark, or as pictured here, white. All our chocolates are organic!

Other suggestions can be found on our website: a 2-piece Cameo Heart totally edible chocolate box with or without extra truffles, a 2-piece Large Chocolate Rose Box however you'd like it!

We also have a heart-shaped white linen box decorated with spring flowers that holds a half pound of chocolates of your choice!

Check out our website for order information: www.smithorganicchocolates.com. Smith Organic Chocolates has ideas for every occasion, birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, Father's Day, patriotic, general continentals, kisses, bonbons, etc.

We are dedicated to bringing you the best information about organic chocolate we can. Check out any previous blog posts for additional information. Of course, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our email is: smithorganicchocolates@dejazzd.com.

NatureFlex Cello Bags are Biodegradable

We previously posted that Smith Organic Chocolates now uses GreenWay(TM) packaging for our recycled customer bags.

We also wanted to let you know that our NatureFlex(TM) cello bags are BIODEGRADABLE! You can put them in with your other items for composting.

We are excited that we are using environmentally-friendly products which help our planet.

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you nutritional information and company news through this blog. Have a great day!

Have Chronic Fatigue? Try Dark Chocolate as remedy

Do you or anyone you know suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Try dark chocolate for an energy boost!

In a study done at Hull York Medical School of 10 patients followed a course over a two-month period.

The group ingested about two ounces of dark chocolate every day for a month, then ate white chocolate dyed dark to look like dark chocolate.

In an online article by Sheryl Walters, posted on Natural News.com, it states "When the patients were taking a daily dose of dark chocolate, they reported significantly less fatigue, but felt the fatigue return when they stopped eating it." In other words, only the "real" dark chocolate worked. The dyed white chocolate didn't.

As in everything, moderation is the key. This is the second report we've quoted now showing that about two ounces of dark chocolate a day brings beneficial rewards.

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you the latest information regarding the health benefits of chocolate - the best comfort food there is! We also use this for company news and additional information.

Got a Cough? Try Chocolate as Remedy

I was astounded when I read this information! Chocolate for COUGHS!?

In an article published online by Annmarie Kostyk of Organic Green Mommy.com, Ms. Kostyk quotes studies from London, England and Budapest, Hungary that showed that theobromine, which is found in chocolate, turned out to be 33% more effective for treating coughs, than codeine - if you can imagine that!?

I can. I think it's terrific that a naturally occurring substance is more effective for treating illness than a manmade substance!

The studies showed that up to 2 ounces of dark chocolate were effective in treating coughs. For children, only one ounce was needed, because of body weight. For more information, go to http://www.organicgreenmommy.com/.

Dark chocolate contains about 450 mg of theobromine per ounce. So - the next time you have a cough, take a small piece of dark chocolate, and call me in the morning. Chances are you'll sleep better (theobromine is not caffiene, it only chemically resembles it - it won't keep you awake) and you won't have a codeine hangover the next day.

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to bringing you news and information regarding chocolate and about our business. We want you to be well informed. What do you think? Post a comment and let us know.

Personalized Special Orders

If there's something you'd like that you don't find on the website, let us know - we'll see what we can do.

Just within the past couple of days, several customers have asked for something that we don't normally offer - but they know that they can ask anyway!

Pictured here is Turrone - not something we do everyday because of the time involved. We gave it a trial run last year - and when we grow enough to get some better equipment - we can offer it more as a regular feature. But don't let that stop you!

We're all about customer service here at Smith Organic Chocolates!

Gone 'Green'!

Smith Organic Chocolates is going 'green!'

We have been interested in saving our planet from the beginning and our packaging company recently (within the past year) introduced Green Way (TM) and Nature Flex (TM) products. Our brown paper customer bags are made from 100% recycled kraft paper.

We have also begun using Nature Flex (TM) biodegradable clear cello bags for everyday use. Nature Flex Cello bags are made from wood cellulose fibers sourced with sustainable forestry principles. Certified biodegradable, compostable and made carbon zero. Meets FDA requirements for direct food contact.

We are happy to not only be an 'organic' company, who hopes later this year to become USDA certified organic, but we are also interested in using recyclable and biodegradable packaging products.

How have you gone green? Post a comment and let us know.

www.smithorganicchocolates.com

'New' Services from Smith Organic Chocolates

Smith Organic Chocolates is pleased to announce that we are now available to help brides in a number of different ways.

First, we have several different molds, such as the cake mold pictured above, plus bells, bride/groom, and special heart-shaped molds that feature wedding dress and tuxedo necklines.

Very soon, shortly after Easter, a new Wedding section will be up on the website. You can browse what some of the molds look like.

Also...we'd like to let you know that any of our peanut butter, almond butter, or coconut balls, which are currently made with butter, can be made with an organic vegetable spread by request.

Let us know if there's anything you'd like to see us do. If it's possible, we'll make it happen for you. Post a comment and let us know.

www.smithorganicchocolates.com

We're having a SPRING Par-Tay!!

We're celebrating the arrival of Spring in a big way!

We're having a party to show off our Easter candies and give you a Mother's Day preview!

It's this Sunday, March 29, from 2-6 p.m.

Check out the website for address and contact information. If you need directions, please call or email us, and we'll be happy to help you!

www.smithorganicchocolates.com

Organic Garden at the White House

(Photo courtesy of the White House. Copied from CNN.com)

We were pleased to see that the Obamas are supporting organic gardening and organic produce.

On Friday, March 20th, First Lady Michelle Obama helped break ground for an organic garden, according to CNN.com.

"We're just hoping that a lot of families look at us and say this is something that they can do and talk to their own kids about and think a little bit critically about the food choices that they make," said Marian Robinson, the president's mother-in-law. (copied from CNN.com)

Choices, choices - for those of us in the natural foods industry, we've already made our choice. We'd rather spend our money at the grocery store on higher quality food, such as organics, than at the doctor's office.

So it follows then, that we want our "sweets" to be organic too. That's why Smith Organic Chocolates IS ORGANIC! You know that anything you eat from us will be 'clean' - in other words, no bug sprays, no preservatives added, and no artificial colorings or flavorings!

http://www.smithorganicchocolates.com/

NEW - Bite-Sized Eggs

Another consideration for our egg boxes, (pictured previously) is our new "bite-sized" egg shape for Easter - OR a Ganache Cross. Our "Bite-Sized" egg will look like the "big" ones, only they'll be a lot smaller! You can eat them in one or two bites!

Our 7.5-oz. solid chocolate cross can be made into a "ganache" cross - in other words, with a center - like a Peanut Butter Cross, or a Coconut Cross, etc.

Let your imagination run wild! What would you like for Easter in the way of chocolate? Post a comment and let us know.

website: http://www.smithorganicchocolates.com/

Just In! New Egg-Shaped Box for Easter

Just In!

A brand new egg-shaped box to house your organic peanut butter, almond butter or coconut egg.

This box is a bit bigger than our multi-colored boxes and it can "stand alone!" (literally).

OR you can also use it for a 1/4-lb. assortment of Easter Candy with a whimsical touch for any chocolate lover - friend or family!

It's available on the webstore now! Easter is only three weeks away!

www.smithorganicchocolates.com.

Spring Holidays Catalog is Available

Easter is only three weeks away! We have lots of ideas for Easter and Mother's Day (which is four weeks after Easter).

We have a catalog available for your review. It's free. Just let us know what format you'd like it in. It's available in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, and hard copy.

Pictured left is a page captured from the catalog.

We are hard at work making chocolates! Orders can be placed at any time!

Call us at (717) 859-4296

Or email us at smithorganicchocolates@dejazzd.com.

Spring Website is UP!

Our Spring Website is up and running! Check out the Easter products we have! We also have a special Happy Mother's Day Solid Chocolate Heart!

Easter is Sunday, April 12. Mother's Day is May 10th!


Let us know what you think...And...more nutritional information regarding chocolate is forthcoming!

Post a comment and tell us what you think.

Website: www.smithorganicchocolates.com

How do YOU chocolate?

Easter is coming up in just four short weeks! Can you believe it? We're working hard on our Spring Catalog and our website is almost ready for upload. Pictured here is a Smith Organic Chocolates Coconut Egg.

But we want to know - what's your favorite chocolate for Easter?

Post a comment and let us know. We'll make it for you by special order if we can!

Email: smithorganicchocolates@dejazzd.com

Website: www.smithorganicchocolates.com

Easter/Spring Website Uploaded March 15

In just another week, we'll be uploading our Easter/Spring website to make it easier for you to order our scrum-dilly-i-cious almond butter, peanut butter, and coconut eggs for Easter. Shown left is an Organic Almond Butter Egg.

Each "egg" will be packaged in a beautiful pastel egg-shaped box suitable to put in an Easter basket!

Or course, you can also get them separately under the product heading of "Easter Egg-Single."

What do you think of this blog? What would you like to see on it? Post a comment and let us know!

Website: http://www.smithorganicchocolates.com/
E-mail: smithorganicchocolates@dejazzd.com

Chocolate is an Affordable Everyday 'Luxury'

Everywhere we look, all we hear about is the economy, the economy, the economy. Well, I'm tired of hearing about how bad it is. I'd rather light a candle in the darkness than complain about the fact that darkness is there!

High quality chocolates are a 'luxury' anyone can afford. How do you want to spend your money? Do you want to spend it on a Hershey's bar or something of better quality?

One way we can continue to help is to purchase high quality organic chocolate. In a recent report (Dec. 2, '08) by Packaged Facts, gourmet chocolate sales were up NINE percent in 2008, vs. 2007. In a quote from Gourmet News: "The trend indicates that even in lean economic times, consumers are still treating themselves to affordable luxuries such as chocolate."

That's good news for the gourmet/natural food/organic industry. I recently heard on Fox News that organic sales of most produce and other packaged food items had taken a downturn, because people didn't want to spend the money. This needs to change. Education and public relations efforts with the average consumer need to continue.

The question I always ask: "Where would you rather spend your money - at the grocery store or the doctor's office?" Usually, when I ask that, I get the answer: "Well, I have insurance." To me that just shows that people are not aware of how much their eating habits affects their overall health.

So...don't be afraid to continue eating healthy, organic dark chocolate. And don't forget to "Buy from the Little Guy" - as well as all the fine companies in this industry.

Chocolate is the best of comfort foods. More on that later.

Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Health researchers are now discovering that there are actual tangible health benefits to eating the snack we all love and some of us ‘crave.’ Dark chocolate, where the cocoa mass is in percentages more than 40%, contain flavonols and anti-oxidants. A Hershey’s spokesperson said, “Consumers are becoming more aware of the antioxidants that occur naturally in dark chocolate," said Jody Cook.”

In an article written for Prevention magazine, Alice Lesch Kelly states, “Food scientists are no longer shy about praising chocolate, and not just as a dip for strawberries. Several studies have demonstrated that antioxidants in chocolate — known as flavonols — help lower levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol while boosting "good" HDL cholesterol. Flavonols seem to ease inflammation, opening blood vessels and improving blood flow. These antioxidants can prevent platelets from adhering to the lining of blood vessels, inhibit blood clotting, and help prevent plaque formation in the arteries, explains Carl L. Keen, PhD, chairman of the nutrition department at the University of California, Davis. “The science is compelling. I think it's a good idea to include flavonol-rich foods such as chocolate in your diet," Keen says.

The article also states, “Cocoa beans contain substantial amounts of antioxidants, dietary substances that mop up free radicals. (The cell damage they cause can lead to cancer-triggering mutations or blood-vessel scarring that accelerates heart problems.) Disease-fighting antioxidants are also present in blueberries, kale, spinach, tea, red wine, and grape juice. But chocolate is a particularly potent source; ounce for ounce, dark chocolate has five times as many antioxidants as blueberries. (emphasis mine)

The website, www.foodnavigator.com states, “...According to Sandra Capra from the University of Newcastle, (England) the health properties of dark chocolate are real and should not be dismissed so lightly.

The evidence is there, that dark chocolate is a good alternative to milk chocolate and is a source of some key anti-oxidants," she said. "Anyone already on a healthy and balanced diet should be able to indulge occasionally in one or two squares of dark chocolate and benefit from a few health benefits as well."

Smith Organic Chocolates is dedicated to informing you as well as providing you with yum-dilly-i-cious organic chocolate. Our website is http://www.smithorganicchocolates.com/. Check us out - we are a fully operational webstore.

Why Organic?

No Sprays—No Artificial Preservatives

Scientists and researchers are only now beginning to see the long-range of negative effects of spraying crops with pesticides.

Why do farmers use pesticides? The obvious answer would be “to kill the bugs” but the actual answer is a little more complicated than that.

After WWI, chemicals used for warfare were turned into sprays to “kill bugs” and the government subsidized farmers for using them. It seemed like a win-win situation. The American people had apples and other fruits without the characteristic “hole” from where a worm had eaten part of the apple, the chemical companies didn’t have to go out of business (which would have put a strain on the economy and soon the Great Depression of the 1930s), and the American public had “pretty” food to eat—more appetizing to the eyes.

What they didn’t know then, that we are now learning, is that over a period of years, our livers have had to try to “break down” these chemicals in our bodies. This has put a strain on our overall health. Our livers may stay strong, but other things “broke” down instead; our hearts, our digestive systems, our circulation, our joints, and our immune systems.

Pesticides also get into the soil and leach into our water systems—so it’s not just the food that is “poisoned” by pesticides, our water and our soil is affected too.

The demand for organic chocolate is growing. The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) says, “...The demand for organic cocoa products is growing at a very strong pace, as consumers are increasingly concerned about the safety of their food supply along with other environmental issues. According to Euromonitor International, global organic chocolate sales were estimated to have increased from a value of US $171 million in 2002 to US $304 million in 2005.”

Smith Organic Chocolates is committed to serving you with the best information available so that you can educate yourself and your customers.

Our website is http://www.smithorganicchocolates.com/. It is a fully operational web store.