The darker the chocolate, the richer, the more varied and intense the taste. Are you ready for the 99% chocolate experience?
Bitter or dark chocolate has always been popular and a mainstay of chocolate suppliers’ markets. Dark chocolate contains a greater percentage of cocoa solids. The greater the percentage of cocoa solids, the more intense the chocolate taste. In general, bitter chocolate is available as 60% and 72% varieties but the sky’s the limit.
Apart from its rich taste, dark chocolate also has extraordinary health benefits and is now considered to a superfood packed with antioxidants and flavonoids - yet another reason why the popularity of this type of chocolate has been on the increase for some time.
Dark and Rich in Flavour – For Some, Darker is Better
The trend for even darker chocolates with higher percentages of cocoa solids is growing steadily. With more and more chocoholics looking for an even more intense chocolate experience, chocolate suppliers are ready and willing to come up with the goods.
Today, major and boutique manufacturers are producing darker chocolates to meet the demand. But for many, the ultra-dark chocolate bars with 85% and even 99% cocoa solids have a taste that is just too intense. Making the transition from smooth, creamy milk chocolate to bitter chocolate is a journey that many people don’t complete, often stopping at the 72% milestone and going no further.
The truth of the matter is that, like so many of the fine things in life, ultra-dark chocolate is an acquired taste. But once you’ve acquired it – nothing can compare to its intensity and flavour.
Based on feedback from market research and chocolate suppliers, chocolate producers search out the finest beans, experiment with different fermenting, roasting and grinding processes and try out different blends of cocoa beans to get a new and unique taste.
That’s why no two types of 72%, 85% or 99% chocolate ever taste alike. All have subtle differences in flavour and even different aromas and textures generated by the ingredients and the dedicated, even loving work of master chocolatiers.
Darker is Healthier
Chocolate is the latest superfood, known for its antioxidants and the positive effect it can have on our mood. But milk chocolate also has many ingredients added to it to give it its rich, creamy and sweet flavour. These include milk, cocoa butter and sugar. It does contain cocoa solids (these are different from cocoa butter) but they may be low down on the list of ingredients and percentage concentration. It’s only in cocoa concentrations of above 70% that the health benefits of chocolate really begin to kick in. The higher the percentage of chocolate solids in the chocolate, the greater its health benefits. As a by-product, it will also contain fewer additives (especially milk products and sweetening agents) so this makes it even healthier for you.
Chocolate Suppliers Have What You Want
If you’re looking for that extra dark experience, ask your local confectioner to stock some many examples of fine, ultra-dark chocolate that is available today. Take the time to try out the varying percentage concentrations. Savour the taste, the texture and the aroma. Discover for yourself the rich, deep sensation of ultra-dark chocolate.
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