The cacao beans used to make this chocolate is grown by 500 smallholder farmers in the lush growing region of Bundibugyo in Uganda. Each farm is 1-2 hectares, either owned as family land or leased from other farmers.
Wet beans are bought and transferred to a central post harvest facility in a converted B&B in the village of Bumate. The location is at the base of the hills leading into the mountains taking advantage of maximum sunshine and limiting runoff.
This chocolate bar is community supported. Chocolate makers are given an opportunity to pay a bonus per kg to be used directly to support the farmers that make Semuliki Forest cacao possible. This year the fund will be used to pay school fees for the farmer's children.
Soma’s first space was in a tiny corner of a former whisky distillery. They started off roasting and winnowing cacao beans, refining and conching their own chocolate, spinning gelato, baking cookies, making hot chocolates, and producing a line of truffles. (whew!) A small retail portion would fold out during the day, and like a transformer, fold back in at night. It was here that they started meeting a community of very interesting folks with a healthy appetite for great chocolate.
What does SOMA mean?
Soma in Sanskrit means “food of the Gods” By coincidence, Theobroma Cacao which is the Latin name for the cacao tree also means “ food of the Gods”
In Aldous Huxley’s novel, “Brave New World” Soma was the substance that kept everyone in a constant state of bliss. Soma is also referenced in the Rig Veda as being the mysterious plant used to achieve nirvana. To date there is much speculation but no clear consensus on the exact identity of the plant.
Origin: Bundibugyo, Uganda
Tasting notes: raisins, figs, chocolate cake, walnuts, vanilla
Ingredients: Organic cacao nibs, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter
Net weight: 2.2oz / 65g
Made in Toronto, Canada!
We pick, pack and ship orders around the clock. Holiday Processing Time: Most orders will be processed within 4 business days of receipt. Many orders are shipping sooner than that! Please note orders are not processed or shipped on weekends or holidays.
We are happy to ship every package with recyclable or compostable materials. We also include a complimentary sweet bite in each order :-)