This winter we celebrate British companies that take a unique approach with their products. Those that share the same ethos of craftsmanship and the unique role that people play in creating the products we love.
Divine is a Fairtrade chocolate company dedicated to making every chocolate occasion a moment to cherish. Using the best cocoa from Ghana, they aim to create an ever-growing variety of flavours, treats, gifts, and seasonal specialities, making sure there is something to tempt everyone. They relish independence and believe in putting people first - the cocoa farmers who own 45% of the company, and the chocolate lovers who they aim to delight. When you choose Divine - whether it is for a gift, a celebration, or simply five minutes to yourself - you can savour in the knowledge that the goodness goes on even when the wrapper is empty. While the cocoa farmers share the profits, we hope you will share the pleasure.
How cocoa helps you ride hard
There's nothing sweeter than sitting down to a well earned reward after a couple hours of winter weather riding. Options are vast but breaking off a luxurious piece of chocolate after a winter ride can work in your favour. The American Journal of Hypertension reported that cocoa has a range of nutrients that benefit performance.
You'll need to grab a bar of well made, high quality chocolate, such as the bars from our friends at Divine. Look for chocolate with at least 65% or more cocoa as this chocolate contains lots of B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, amino acids and a number of other antioxidants to help boost your performance.
Cocoa also contains caffeine, which is proven to improve cycling performance. Research shows that caffeine lowers the perception of effort and fatigue too, and the sugar in the chocolate is a good mid-ride pick-me-up, and smaller Divine bars can be slipped into your jacket pocket.
Chocolate has cocoa flavanols that boost blood flow to the muscles and help recovery. After a ride try making a Divine hot chocolate. Cocoa also contains the potent antioxidant vitamins C and E to combat free radical damage, which can contribute to both inflammation and muscle soreness.
Ingredients
1 cinnamon stick
1 litre/1 ¾ pint soya milk (or a milk of your choice)
150g/5 ½ oz Divine dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
For a little extra kick add 1 dried chilli
Heat the milk in a small saucepan with the cinnamon and dried chilli (optional), until almost boiling. Turn the heat to low and stir in the chocolate until melted and slightly thickened. Remove the cinnamon and chilli and serve immediately in 6 small cups, or 2 large mugs.
To discover more about Divine, its unique relationship with the Kuapa Kokoo co-operative, news, recipes, online shop and more – visit www.divinechocolate.com.