Wine and whiskey have had their time; now it’s fine chocolate’s chance to shine. Here’s a beginner’s guide to the complexities of gourmet chocolates.
People who are passionate about gourmet chocolate have known for a long time that they contain as much variety and flavour complexity as can be found in good wines and quality coffee. Now the general public is finally catching up, understanding that each bite can offer a unique taste experience.
Here is a short guide to help you begin describing and analysing gourmet chocolate yourself and therefore offer a higher level of service to your customers.
Regional Variety
It is the all-important cacao bean which ultimately affects the flavour of a product. The main contributing factors in taste are climate, soil and topography – the general environment, or ‘terroir’, in which the bean grows is extremely important. The three varieties of fine cacao beans - Criollo, Forastero and Trinitario – have nuances in aroma and taste which vary depending on where they grow.
Even within the Caribbean islands, for example, differences can be found. In Jamaica the cacao is light on the palate, with sweet rum and woody flavours such as cedar and juniper commonly identified in the chocolate. However, beans grown in Haiti and Grenada tend to have a certain degree of acidity. The special Forastero beans found in Ecuador have pleasant floral notes with hints of vanilla, spice, coffee and nuts. Yet, on the Cote d’Ivoire, Forastero beans have a bolder flavour with hints of leather and tobacco.
Doing some research into the chocolate you are selling can certainly help to impress. Your ability to analysis and appreciate flavour profiles from around the globe will be invaluable.
Single Origin vs. Blends
It’s a common misconception in the world of gourmet chocolate that products using single origin cacao are necessarily superior to blends. Both varieties have their strengths and deserve our attention.
Hopefully you now feel fully equipped to start your journey as a true chocolate connoisseur, ready to convince your customers that they should choose their chocolate with as much care as they do their wine or whiskey!
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