Guest Entry: Samuel Orisajo, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria

From March to May 2010, Samuel Orisajo participated in the Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program’s Global Cocoa Initiative. The initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Foreign Agricultural Service and implemented in partnership with the World Cocoa Foundation. During his fellowship, he had the opportunity to visit several World Cocoa Foundation-member companies.

I was privileged to attend the chocolatier’s workshop organized by Cargill in Litiz, Pennsylvania in the company of Tracey Duffey of the World Cocoa Foundation. I participated in the workshop along with small-scale businesspeople involved in chocolate making.

We listened to lectures on chocolate tempering methods and were taught the art of making chocolates. I was very excited to make my first ever chocolate in different sizes and shapes as you see me pictured here:

I took some of the chocolates I made to Nigeria, and it was so delicious! I was later presented with a certificate of attendance.

Also, I had the rare opportunity to visit Cargill’s chocolate museum where I saw several molds, ancient wares and instruments used in chocolate making from the past, and several sizes and brands of chocolate.

My appreciation goes to Courtney LeDrew, Joe Sofia, Amanda Frey and a host of tutors at Cargill for their facilitation.