Welcome To The Dark Side

Indulge Your Dark Side…

The only thing more common than flowers on Valentine’s Day is chocolate. And, if you’re like me, you can’t get enough of it! Fortunately for us fitness-minded folks, there’s a way to enjoy our favorite treat guilt-free. How? By going to the dark side.

Turns out dark chocolate is a friend with healthy benefits. In fact some studies link it to improved brain function, lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and even clearer skin. Check out this article about the benefits, like you needed a reason!

But like all things in life, moderation is key. One ounce of the dark stuff a day is plenty to reap the rewards. And remember to look for chocolate that is high in cacoa (60% or more). The higher the percentage, the more flavanols. The more flavanols, the better for your health.

See below for Central Market’s General Manager In Training (and Wes’s partner) Kevin Saenz’s picks for the best ways to indulge your dark side. Enjoy!

Dandelion Chocolates

This is a small bean to bar producer from the mission district of San Francisco. All of the bars are 70% cacao, sourced from all over the world. Why does that matter? Because different cacao farms produce different flavor notes that are reflective of their environment, such as tropical flowers and plants.

Central Market in House Bean to Bar Chocolate

Central Market is crafting and producing single origin bars out of their Houston store, and shipping them to all Central Markets across the state of Texas. These delicious chocolates contain only two ingredients: direct trade cacao, and organic cane sugar. My favorite is the 73% Madagascar for its hint of berries and tobacco flavor.

Amedei Chocolates

Amedei is a family-owned boutique chocolate maker from Tuscany, that produces what is highly regarded as some of the best chocolate in the world. With a smooth texture, full bodied flavor, and unique range of single origin and single bean varieties, this chocolate gives the true connoisseur much to discover and savor.