Not all chocolate is created equal. With the prominence of child slave labor and unfair wages for farmers in the industry, chocolate certainly has its dark side. Conscientious consumers do not have to give up the delicious treat, though. Companies and organizations, including Milwaukee-based Omanhene Chocolate Company, are building a fair trade market. Omanhene’s founder, Steve Wallace, will co-host a chocolate cooking class at Wellspring Organic Farm and Education Center, February 7.

Wallace will share insights into the world of chocolate while Chef and Organic Cooking Coach KC Thorson leads cooking demos and tastings of an allchocolate menu. Participants will take home new knowledge, as well as recipes for everything prepared. Omanhene fairly sourced chocolate will also be available for purchase.

Since 1991, Omanhene has purchased directly from farmers in Ghana; cutting out the middleman increases the profits for growers that would otherwise be forced to abandon their farms when commodity prices for cocoa drop.

Cost: $20 per person before Feb. 4; $25 after; includes wine pairings. For more information and to register, call 847-946-5565 or visit WellspringInc.org.