Shari Flam showcases the nourishing, natural power of cacao at Living Chocolate.
“Cacao in its natural state is a superfood and new studies have shown it can prevent dementia, stimulate stem cell growth and, combined with vitamin D3 and K2, can move calcium out of the arteries and build up bones,” she said.
Flam explained the importance of keeping cacao in its natural, living state. “Heat can kill all the digestive enzymes and antioxidants in chocolate and adding sugar can make our bodies respond negatively.”
Selling her delicacies out of her store located in the Harkins Plaza in Sedona, the Living Chocolate motto says it all: “Back to the heart of chocolate.”
From truffles to turtles, Flam also sells ceremonial drinks to enjoy in her shop or to take out. She also offers popsicles and even cookie dough in a jar. “We do not have a drop of white sugar in the shop. We use Flagstaff grown honey and many of our chocolates are keto-friendly.”
Flam was born in Utah but moved frequently, as her father was in the military. Her family finally settled in Fresno, California, where she lived until high school graduation. She attended University of California Santa Cruz, where she studied sociology and moved to Sedona right after graduation. Sociology remains a passion for her.
“I just love to observe people and try to understand them. Sociology has helped me to be more compassionate and understanding toward others,” said Flam, who has two adult children.
After working as a food server at a high-end restaurant for 12 years in the evenings, Flam started making chocolates during the daytime hours. “I believe that God was setting me up for this adventure,” she said.
Forsaking standard chocolates, Flam began making healthy treats for her kids. “I made homemade malt balls, Graham crackers and all kinds of chocolates with healthy sweeteners.”
In 2015, she began selling her chocolate confections at farmers markets around Northern Arizona as well as taking and delivering special orders. “I started my business on $300.”
“Living Chocolate is not an ordinary chocolate shop, and I have been a fan since day one. It is a divine experience of partaking of the essential spirit and wonders of cacao,” said Mariko Yamamoto of Sedona. “There are no refined sugars used. Only honey, allulose or date sweeteners. If one is ready for a warm, cozy adventure and rich experience of the finest chocolate wonders, do not miss your opportunity to visit Living Chocolate. Each bite is a bite of heaven.”
“Our cacao is sourced from Belize, Peru, Uganda and even India and it is not adulterated with any butters or milk powders, so it’s the whole cacao, which takes very little to get the medicinal effects,” said Flam. “Since I opened [the shop] four years ago, prices have tripled from our vendors, but it’s the whole cacao and when you compare a healthy truffle to buying a dessert or glass of wine at a restaurant, then it is reasonable and so good for you, with no hangover or sugar crash.”
Visiting Sedona for his first time from Wyoming, Guy Bradach was offered a Living Chocolate Pecan Turtle from his aunt. “It was amazing, and I couldn’t believe it didn’t have sugar. The chocolate was tasty, the nuts were crunchy and fresh. It was the best.”
Cacao classes also are offered at Living Chocolate. “We open the fruit and learn how it goes from a fruit to a [chocolate] bar. We discuss history and mythology, most importantly, the chemicals that your body makes when you eat chocolate.” QCBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, VVBN
Living Chocolate is located at 2055 W. State Route 89 in Sedona. For more information, call 928-203-6904 or visit www.livingchocolate.com
Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Living Chocolate owner Shari Flam prepares handcrafted treats inside her Sedona shop, dedicated to preserving the natural vitality and flavor of cacao.
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