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The Story of Chocolate |
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Native to South America, cocoa beans first came to Europe in the treasure-laden galleons of the Spanish conquistadors. Quickly spreading throughout Europe and beyond, this gift from the New World won more and more admirers. But long before
History
Native to South America, cocoa beans first came to Europe in the treasure-laden galleons of the Spanish conquistadors. Quickly spreading throughout Europe and beyond, this gift from the New World won more and more admirers. But long before that, the cocoa bean had been enjoyed by the Maya and the Aztecs. So valued was the cocoa drink that they used it as a sacred offering and even employed cocoa beans as currency! Cocoa Beans Chocolate is made from the beans harvested from pods of the cacao tree, grown within 10 degrees north and south of the equator. The best-known beans are the rare, delicate Criollo and Trinitario varieties and the more robust Forastero. The finest quality cocoa beans come from hand-nurtured cacao plants and, like wine production, important factors are the local soil, weather and the grower's expertise. Quality Chocolate Quality chocolate has up to 75% cocoa content, compared with as little as 20% in cheap products. Made from carefully roasted and milled quality beans, it has a smooth, velvety finish. Mass-produced chocolate has a gritty texture, more sugar, lower-grade cocoa beans and non-traditional ingredients like dried milk and vegetable oil.
How to Enjoy Chocolate
To enjoy it at its best, store your chocolate carefully (16-18 degrees Celsius/50 - 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% - 60% humidity). Definitely Chocolate products are free of any preservatives, so consume filled chocolates within two weeks of purchase.
Before enjoying our chocolate, you should allow it to return to room temperature.
The enjoyment of luxury chocolate involves all five senses. These are the characteristics that a true chocolate connoisseur looks for...
Sight
Look for a shiny, smooth surface of completely blended chocolate, free from any imperfection.
Sound
Well-tempered chocolate with a high content of pure cocoa makes a distinctive sharp snapping sound when broken.
Touch
The feel should be satin-smooth - not grainy like low-quality chocolate.
Smell
Like a vintage wine, premium chocolate releases a medley of aromas -- complex and distinctive.
Taste
Chocolate should be a savoured delight. Press it to the roof of your mouth and let it slowly melt around your tastebuds. The velvety flavours gradually translate into a pleasantly lingering after-taste.
Now you are on the way to becoming a REAL chocolate connoisseur! Simply add practice to theory by enjoying Definitely Chocolate...
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