Is a year-long chocolate-making process worth the wait?

In Sudbury, Massachusetts, a family-operated chocolatier named Goodnow Farms is dedicated to producing high-quality dark chocolate bars. Established by Tom and Monica Rogan, the business arose from a personal challenge they faced when searching for healthier chocolate options at local supermarkets. Disappointed by the market offerings, the Rogans decided to take matters into their own hands and create their own chocolate using simple ingredients. They exclusively use cacao beans sourced from a single farm or region, investing substantially in small-scale farmers across Latin America who grow and harvest these beans with great care. The chocolate-making process is labor-intensive and takes about a year, during which the Rogans develop unique flavors, such as winter maple paired with spiced brown butter. The Rogans emphasize the quality of every aspect of this process, from the growth of the cacao pods on the trees to the fermentation and drying of the beans. All production occurs inside their historic 225-year-old barn, where they take pride in roasting, mixing, and hand-wrapping every bar produced. Their approach not only reflects a commitment to high-quality ingredients but also supports sustainable farming practices in the cacao industry. Goodnow Farms is on a mission to educate consumers about the nature of chocolate. The Rogans believe that dark chocolate deserves to be appreciated as a food comparable to fine wines, rather than just a simple sweet treat. They aim to create a broader understanding that chocolate is derived from fruit and contains numerous health benefits and rich flavors. Their efforts focus on changing the perception of chocolate, helping people recognize it as a gourmet product with complexity, rather than merely a confectionery item. Ultimately, Goodnow Farms represents an intersection of craftsmanship and a passion for quality. By championing the needs of healthy eating and understanding the intricacies of chocolate, Tom and Monica Rogan are setting a new standard in the chocolate industry. Their commitment to sourcing from altruistic farmers and hand-crafting their products establishes them as key players in the evolution of chocolate consumption in the modern era.