On February 13th, the Learning x Leading Garden Ambassador Team hosted their annual celebration of all things chocolate for the Cornell graduate student community:Chocolatada! The Garden Ambassadors hosted interactive tables exploring the biocultural roots of chocolate, from how its present day production process evolved, to forward-thinking trivia about the sustainability and ethicality of the chocolate industry today. And of course, there were plenty of chocolate tastings along the way.

The Big Red Barn was buzzing with conversation as attendees considered just how much goes into transforming the fruits of the cacao tree into the deliciously sweet treat we so often take for granted today. At my station exploring the history and production process of the specialty chocolate of Modica, Italy, I engaged guests in a flavor guessing game while further discussing the chemistry behind the chocolate variety’s unique crumbly yet crunchy texture. With flavors ranging from spicy chili pepper to subtle orange, the Modica chocolate’s rich and bitter flavor profile required a fine sense of taste to discern.

As an undergraduate, I don’t often connect with so many graduate students and the diverse array of interests and experiences they carry. This event fostered a wonderful exchange of knowledge across age levels and disciplines, and I found myself thinking more deeply about the origins of my favorite sweet treat through the attendees’ insightful questions.

By participating in the Cornell Botanic Gardens events like Chocolatada, I have gained a greater appreciation for how well a seemingly simple plant can connect people together. The historical and cultural impact of chocolate has implications far beyond becoming the gift of choice on Valentine’s Day – it shapes entire economies and ways of life for people across the world. I hope you can make it to the Cornell Botanic Gardens’ next event, or take the time to stop by the gardens for a moment of reflection and see what stories unfold.