Show 319, April 13, 2019: Benjamin Lillibridge, Founder & “Funguy,” Malama Mushrooms, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Benjamin LIllibridgeWe discovered Malama Mushrooms from The Big Island of Hawaii exhibiting at the recent Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim and met Founder and “Funguy” Benjamin Lillibridge. Their goal is to unearth the enormous potential of edible mushrooms in our society.

“Whether its medicinal mushrooms for targeting specific ailments, or nutritionally rich gourmet mushrooms for a healthy diet, our goal is to create healthy fungi-based produce and value-added products you can get behind as a loyal fan, customer and family member.”

““Malama” is the Hawaiian word for preserve, protect and nurture. This serves as the standard for all the work we do.”

When considering the use of mushrooms for medicinal purposes always consult with your healthcare professional first.

We’ll find out about the hidden power of mushrooms with Ben.

Show 223, May 13, 2017: Pam Cooper, Co-Founder, Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory, Hawaii

Pam CooperThe Big Island of Hawaii’s first tree-to-bar chocolate producer is The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory established in 1999. In Kailua-Kona they grow cacao on their own plantation, ferment it, dry and process the beans and then create premium, single origin chocolate of the highest quality in a multi-step process.

“Welcome to Kona on the Island of Hawaii, home of Original Hawaiian Chocolate – the only chocolate of its kind in the world!”

“Beginning in 1997 we have dedicated ourselves to creating the most delicious and unique of chocolates – 100% Hawaiian made and grown. There is something about our volcanic soil, Island showers and tropical Hawaiian sun that blesses the cacao trees with a unique flavor that is world renowned.”

“We are the first producers to grow and process 100% Hawaiian cacao chocolate anywhere on earth. We process only Big Island grown cocoa beans. Our processing factory is completely self-contained, assuring total quality control from the fields to the final chocolate bars.”

“We invite you to experience our exceptionally unique chocolate, grown, harvested, processed and packaged in Hawaii – America’s own. And remember, Chocolate is Aloha!

Plantation tours (highly recommended) are available Wednesday and Friday mornings. The on-site Chocolate Shoppe (with unique specialty items) hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Fridays. Most of their artisan, single origin chocolate products (Individual Bars, One Pound Bars, Large & Small Plumerias and Roasted Cacao Nibs) are also available via their Website and shipped FedEx.

Founder Pam Cooper joins us.