A master’s student at the University of Reading has created the first chocolate bar made entirely from UK-grown ingredients since 1932. This initiative not only celebrates the university’s centenary but also underscores the impact of climate change on cocoa production. Cocoa plants are sensitive to temperature and rainfall changes, making them vulnerable as global warming progresses.
The bar, crafted from cocoa beans grown in Berkshire, aims to raise awareness about the precarious nature of food supplies. With the UK chocolate market valued at £10.4 billion, the reliance on imported cocoa poses risks, especially as climate change threatens traditional growing regions.
Maha Khan, the student behind the project, harvested and processed the beans herself, experiencing the chocolate-making process from start to finish. She emphasizes the importance of preserving diverse cocoa varieties to ensure future resilience against climate challenges.
Currently a limited edition, the bar’s production may expand depending on bean availability. The initiative serves as a reminder of the complexities behind our food systems and the urgent need to support cocoa farmers facing the realities of climate change.
Source: The Guardian
