artisan chocolate

The Rise And Fall Of The Chocolate Connoisseur

By Shaun Parker

The French have always enjoyed an enviable reputation for their love of gourmet food and their pride in turning premium quality ingredients into delectable, indulgent pleasures for the palate. From fine wines to foie gras, champagne to cheese, French gastronomy is synonymous with excellence.

So to food connoisseurs it comes as no surprise that the best chocolate in the world is made in France. Visit any French city to find an astounding array of chocolateries, each offering tantalising chocolates displayed like fine jewels.

Not a sign of a mass-produced, sugar rush-inducing candy anywhere; just exquisite, handmade French chocolates created by second, third, even fourth generation chocolatiers, who practise their artisanal skills with a dedication bordering on obsession. That’s the French for you.

Britain, on the other hand, although calling itself a nation of chocolate-lovers - only started to show an interest in luxury chocolate in the mid-80s. But despite our slow start, consumer trends over the past five years have shown that we’re undergoing something of a revolution in the way we choose to indulge our chocolate passion, and the gourmet sector is now the fastest growing within the chocolate market.

Largely driven by increased media interest in the health benefits that can be derived from regular consumption of high quality, dark chocolate, discerning British palates are now seeking to delight their tastebuds with new and exciting chocolate recipes made from pure, healthy ingredients.In response to the growing number of Britain’s chocolate connoisseurs, Frenchman Pierre Soualah opened a Provence-inspired chocolate boutique in Birmingham in 2002. This unique approach to French chocolate has earned a reputation for its refined style and Pierre’s infinite enthusiasm to enlighten the British palate with his unique range of handmade French chocolates.

Trained as a traiteur at Fauchon in Paris and Selfridges in London, Pierre has a devotion to French gastronomy that would make his fellow countrymen proud. “My desire was to bring a little piece of France to the UK”, says Pierre. “I had been living here for 10 years, and couldn’t find handmade French chocolates anywhere, so I decided to make my own.”

Together with his artisan chocolatier, Pierre created a distinctive assortment of intensely-flavoured chocolates to challenge the palate of any discerning chocolate enthusiast. “We were determined to use only the finest cocoa beans and noble ingredients such as cocoa butter and pure vanilla, blended with infusions such as cassis, aniseed, bergamot and hops to complement our soft ganaches and pralines perfectly”, says Pierre, adding that his recipes change according to the season, with the addition of fresh tastes and delicate aromas.

With the rise in personal disposable income and increased interest in quality food products, the luxury chocolates sector is expected to continue to flourish. Indeed, it is the only sector of the confectionery market to show notable growth in recent years, resulting in a number of mass manufacturers such as Cadbury acquiring smaller brands such as Green & Black’s in order to gain a foothold on the luxury sector’s ladder. Although this may be considered a shrewd move on Cadbury’s part, it’s also a tall order, as savvy consumers know their artisans from their elbows.

Within the luxury chocolate sector its the so-called ’super-premium’ niche - comprising the most luxurious, independent brands and specialist products - that’s attracting the most highly-sophisticated consumers, who put quality and provenance before price.

Pierre Soualah confirms that the interest in super-premium chocolate is being driven by those customers with refined tastes, adding that British demand for his luxury French chocolates has far exceeded his initial expectations. “With the opening of Eurostar, travel to France has become even easier, and many British people have eagerly embraced French gastronomy”, says Pierre. “A lot of my customers tell me how pleased they were to find handmade French chocolates in the UK because they are the finest money can buy.”

Familiar French arrogance on Pierre’s part? Perhaps. But going by recent trends, it would appear that the growing number of Brits seeking to indulge in the gastronomic experience offered by handmade French chocolate would agree with him.

]]> http://cho-colate.com/artisan-chocolates/feed http://cho-colate.com/belgian-dark-chocolate http://cho-colate.com/belgian-dark-chocolate#comments Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:12:28 +0000 admin http://cho-colate.com/?p=851

belgian dark chocolate ice

Belgian Chocolate - A Taste That Can’t Be Beat !

By Colleen Maguire

Picture this on your mind: it is a food that has a circular shell-like shaped object with a diameter of at least one inch; it has shallow grooves around and is about ½ inch thick; it is slightly soft to the touch and may melt if you hold on to it for long and then when you take a bite, a burst of wonderful flavors will fill your mouth. What is it? If you answer Belgian chocolate, you are correct! Belgian chocolates are these handmade bite-sized delectable filled with nuts and cream or dark chocolate that will leave your mouth craving for more.

Even though Belgian chocolates are similar to any other chocolate made from cacao seeds, these are considered to be the gourmet standard for chocolates the world over! Belgian chocolates have been around since Leopold II of Belgium colonized Congo in 1885. Belgians were able to import cocoa beans from cacao trees planted on the rich land of Congo. Leopold II was able to take advantage of the country’s cocoa beans supply and ever since Belgian chocolatiers concocted different kinds of tasty treats. However, Belgian chocolates made its mark when a Swiss family from Brussels created the praline in 1912.

порно онлайн училки

Praline is Belgian chocolate with a shell-like appearance filled with nuts, nougats or creams, coffee, fruit or dark chocolate. It has a taste all its own and most chocoholics can’t get enough of them. Some of the most popular chocolatiers based in Belgium since the early 1900s include Leonidas, Neuhaus, Godiva and Nirvana. Praline Belgian chocolates are wrapped in a special packaging called the ballotin. It was made when the first praline was created in 1912 because Belgian chocolates were given as special gifts during that time.

This then became a tradition and until present times praline Belgian chocolates are bought to be given as gifts by locals and tourists alike. Even though a box of praline can be very expensive compared to buying a pound of Swiss chocolates, most chocoholics would prefer biting into a Belgian chocolate just to experience bursts of flavors leaving an exciting taste in their mouths. The praline Belgian chocolate is Belgium’s national pride and this is quite evident with the country’s tourism. Chocolate companies around Belgium are included in tourist package itineraries where tourists can see how praline Belgian chocolates are made.

The best thing about this is that you can get a taste of the praline you will see being hand made by the chocolatiers in each chocolate company you will be visiting. Tasting this handcrafted treats will leave you craving for more. So when in Belgium don’t miss visiting the many Belgian chocolate stores in every town and village in this chocolate country. If you think you are a self-proclaimed chocoholic and you haven’t tasted a piece of praline Belgian chocolates, then you are really missing a lot. Biting into a Belgian chocolate will be an experience you will never forget because the unique taste of praline will leave you looking for more. Many chocolate lovers around the world visit Belgium just to discover for themselves why Belgian chocolates are being regarded as the gourmet standard for all chocolates around the world. Every chocolatier in Belgium have their own unique taste and style for creating their praline Belgian chocolates. This is the reason why many chocoholics make a round of all the chocolate stores in Belgium.

sugar free chocolate

The Health Benefits of Sugar Free Chocolates

By Natalie Aranda

Romance, music and chocolates - what would life be without these  ?

One of the most pleasurable activities in life is eating chocolates, second only to romance. The melting of the brown pieces in the mouth give feelings that is akin to being in love. Eating chocolates result in releasing of endorphins, the feel good hormones. The good thing about eating chocolates does not stop with altering the mood for the better. Eating chocolates is said to be beneficial to your health. These health benefits of eating chocolates are backed up by scientific studies.

Here chocolate does not mean the kinds of chocolates that are popularly available in the market - high in calories. Chocolate here refers to the ones that are sugar free and hence low in calories. However, the chocolates available in the market are rich in calories because of two ingredients: sugar and milk. Additionally most of the flavonoids are lost as a result of processing.

The darker the chocolate the better, as it contains more cocoa but less milk and sugar. Normally, sugar free chocolate candies are prepared for diabetics. Therefore, the milk and sugar content in this type of chocolates are very low and the cocoa content is high.

Sugar free chocolate candy bars have more antioxidants than red wine or green tea. Chocolate contain flavonoids that is good for the heart. It thins the blood platelets and prevents clotting. In addition, flavonoids may be helpful in the prevention of cancer.

A study of 8000 male Harvard students showed that chocoholics lived longer than the abstainers. Evidence shows that cocoa from which chocolate is made is rich in antioxidants that helps ward off heart diseases, prevents strokes and thins the blood. Scientists concur on this.

Consuming large amounts of cocoa lowers the risk of high blood pressure too. People belonging to the Kuna tribe who live in isolated islands in Panama are said to have no high blood pressure. The reason is attributed to their regular consumption of cocoa. Cocoa contains nitric acid and the nitric oxide connection to blood pressure is well established.

Chocolate is rich in iron content and has more iron than beef liver. Chocolate is also the second highest source of magnesium among all foods, after seaweed.

Researchers have found that eating 1 oz. of chocolate per day can have significant health benefits.

Sugar free chocolates and candies can be ordered online from stores all over the USA. Sugar free chocolates that are low in milk content can be good for those with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, if taken in moderation.

ghirardelli hot chocolate

Chocolate Corporate Gift Baskets

By Eric Luna

Chocolate corporate gift baskets are available at many different price points.

There are many different investment levels for your chocolate corporate gift baskets. Depending on your company’s needs these corporate gift baskets can range from smallimprinted mugs drop shipped to dozens of business associates to more elegantgourmet chocolate filled baskets you could personally deliver.Each basket is equally important and useful depending on your specific needs.Frosted gift totes filled with fine French Truffles, Ghirardelli milk chocolate square, Ghirardelli chocolate with caramel filled square, and a cocoa pack can be purchasedfor just more than ten dollars.  A small investment for something as important as yourbusiness associates.  To give a reward or a gift of recognition something more extravagantis much more appropriate. You can give gourmet chocolates in a fine imprinted copper tub.Anything you can give that will be kept long past the goodies are gone makes a bettercorporate gift.  And better corporate gifts make better promotional products.

Chocolate corporate gift baskets can be tailor made to fit any recipients.

Golf themed gift baskets are range baskets filled with chocolate golf balls and other goodies and have a custom imprinted ribbon.  Great for everyone that loves golf.  Thank you themed corporate gift baskets to show your appreciation with chocolaty treats are also great corporate gifts.  Give these to your clients that help build your business or your employees the drive your company on a daily basis. Christmas chocolate gift baskets are holiday favorites of most.  Give corporatechocolate gift baskets Christmas themes for the holidays. Don’t forget the custom imprinted mugs with hot cocoa to keep business associates warm during the winter.  You can even find Kosher Certification available by many manufactures.  Give fine custom molded Belgian chocolate centerpieces in window boxes filled with Belgian Chocolate truffles. Custom molded chocolate to fit any recipients.  Photo Chocolates are also available now for your clients.  A logo or an image can now be printed with a four color process imprint using FDA approved edible food coloring. These great gift sets come with chocolate velvet meltaways.  Choose a logo or an image specific to the recipients or your company either way this is sure to be an unforgettable chocolate gift.

Chocolate corporate gift baskets can be customized to be received by any size audience.

Give huge corporate gift baskets to large corporate departments.  Corporate giftbaskets filled with dozens of individually wrapped chocolate goodies to be shared by everyone.  Large gift baskets everyone can share, that bring people together are great corporate gifts.  If your business associates are all part of one large corporate department and it’s practical for you, delivering them yourself really shows you care and leaves a great long lasting impression.If you will be corporate gifting to individuals or more intimate groups you can evengive smaller chocolate themed corporate baskets.  Your company can drop ship dozens of individual chocolategift baskets at a much lower price point.  You may even want to give custom imprintedmugs with a few pieces of chocolate and a packet of hot cocoa.  A gift filled with sweet chocolate treats that can be kept long after the chocolate is gone. It’s a great treat for them and a usable item that keeps your logo around.

Chocolate corporate gift baskets are corporate gift baskets enjoyed by everyone.

These corporate gift baskets come in a huge variety and they’re certain to please everyone’s tastes.  These corporate gifts can include C. C. Winkle Chocolate Covered Popcorn.  Most people like popcorn and chocolate, C. C. Winkle Chocolate Covered Popcorn is a great combination of the two.More chocolaty delights include Allegro Plus Chocolate Filled Cookies, Brent and Sam’sGourmet Chocolate Cookies, Cherrington Chocolates, Chris and Larry’s Clodhopper Poppers, Ghirardelli Chocolates and too many more to list.  Corporate chocolate gift basketscan be made to include something for everyone dark chocolate, milk chocolate, whitechocolate, hot cocoa, and so much more.

See more Chocolate Corporate Gift Baskets and see how these great corporate gifts can help build your business.  These are perfect gifts for everyone and sure to help build your brand.

personalized chocolates

Personalized Chocolate Gifts – the Best Way to Show You Care

By ajay

Delectable chocolate gifts create a fuzzy ring of happiness. From the giver to the receiver, it spreads warmth and happiness. Since these gifts pertain to one of our most basic and personal acts - that of eating – it manages to go straight to the heart. So, if you want to celebrate a special event in a touching and classy manner, think of giving away some personalized chocolate gifts.

Personalized chocolate gifts may be given to anyone and may be used to celebrate any event. You may celebrate love with a gift basket and some flowers. Is it a baby shower? What better way than some chocolate cigars. Is it a wedding? Well, time to gift some chocolate hearts with a special custom made message on it. As they say, you name the event and there is a place for chocolate in the celebration.

One of the reasons why chocolate gifts make such a wonderful token of your love and appreciation is because of the high degree of personalization it allows. You enhance the beauty of the gift by giving it a special added touch – that of a picture, a logo or a message. The recipient will never forget the pains you have taken. Nor will they stop thinking about the pleasure they get when they bite into each delightful mouthful.

Personalized chocolate gifts come in all sorts of flavors. From milk to coffee or dark, bitter chocolate, the selection

In the Land of Women download

is huge and splendid. Indeed, high quality chocolate gifts are an elegant gift to give away. Besides, you can enhance its beauty simply by wrapping it in style. From custom made personalized covers to standard wrappers, chocolate gifts can be made to look as special and attractive as you want it to be.

Another great idea for personalized chocolate gifts is a chocolate gift hamper. Imagine a gift basket filled with personalized chocolate hearts, squares, chips, roses and other molded designs! Or you may even give away chocolate cookies, lollipops and truffles. A chocolate gift box is also a fun idea and is more suitable for formal occasions. Chocolate gift boxes are sturdier and form a good protection to the chocolates, particularly if you want to give it to someone living far away. The choice is endless, as myriad as the emotions that prompt you to give the gift.

Personalized chocolate gifts are suitable for any occasion. Whether you want to celebrate a personal event or a more formal occasion like a client get-together or sales meet, chocolates can liven up any occasion and give it a special touch of uniqueness. So, the next time you think that chocolate favors are too self-indulgent, think again! It pays to humor the child in every person.

download Secondhand Lions movie

guylian chocolates

Belgian Chocolates are the Best

By Tania Machowska

Belgian Chocolates are the best, and please dare to say that they are the best in the whole world. What better present then a box of chocolates to buy Mommas Man dvd when visiting Belgian. Brussels and Antwerp has many little chocolate gift shops and it is hard not to walk in.
These days you can go online to order your box of chocolates, from producer to your front door, in 40 different countries, even in Belgium, although it is more charming to get them at a chocolate shop or at the bakery, the offer in pralines is as variable as the cakes, bread and sandwiches you can buy.

Jean Neuhaus arrived from Switzerland in 1857 and he settled himself together with his brother in law who was a pharmacist in Brussels at the Konningine galerij (Queens gallery), a very well known gallery at the centre of Brussels, in fact he first covered gallery in Europe. They opened a pharmaceutical bakery, initially it was the intention to give a sweet flavour to medicines that had an awful taste, it was a fantastic idea and it leaded to the revolution of the bonbons. The little chocolate factory was a fact, in 1912 Jean (the grandchild of Jean Neuhaus) baptised the bonbons into ‘praline’ , chocolate creams.

A few years later, Balottine, Jean’s wife discovered the best way to represent the praline, she putted them into a little box that gave the bonbons a real luxurious appearance. Neuhaus, Leonidas, Callebaut, Meurris, Cote d’Or, Guylian, Godiva are all well known chocolate brands and they all have been in hands of Belgian producers, put that was a long time ago, for example Godiva is now in hands of the American producers of Campbell, the soup. Callebaut is the producer of chocolate to big companies, it has been in hands of the Callebaut family, in 1987 Swiz company Suchard is the owner now.

Leonidas isn’t the most expensive chocolate and it exists from 1970, when a Greek-Turkish family came over to Belgium, they settled in Genth where they opened a candy store, and although Jean was a female doctor she found her amusement in chocolate and eventually Leonidas came on the market.

lindt lindor chocolate truffles

Valentine Gift Idea

By Kate S

Valentine’s Day is on February 14th. It is a day for lovers to exchange gifts and love messages to each other. This article examines the origin of Valentine’s day and provides some ideas for your Valentine gift.

Valentine’s Day is named after one of the many Christian martyrs named Valentine. According to one legend, Saint Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. The Roman Emperor at that time, Claudius II, believed single men made better soldiers than those with wives and children. The emperor ordered young men to remain single so he would have a better army to expand his empire. The priest, however, secretly conducted marriage ceremonies for young men. When Claudius II found out about this, he had the priest put in jail. While in jail, the priest befriended and healed the jailer’s blind daughter. On the evening before Valentine was to be executed, he wrote a note to the jailer’s daughter and signed “From your Valentine”. It was believed that note started the tradition of exchanging love messages and gifts between lovers on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day reminds us to express our love to that special person in our lives. You can do this by sending your sweetheart a gift and love note. Some Valentine gift ideas are listed below.

a. Valentine Gift Basket:
Valentine gift basket is a great gift for your sweetheart. A popular gift basket has a cute white teddy bear that brings your message of love and delivers a hugs and kisses solid milk chocolate Crisp Kiss as well as other sweet treats. For your boyfriend or husband, you may want to send a gift basket with love message envelope. He can just open the envelope and enjoy the romantic treats. An adorable teddy bear holds a heart, with his favorite firecracker truffles and a lovely Champagne candle, and a delightful assortment of sweet treats, including delicious milk Chocolate truffles, Lindt candies, Caramel hearts, a gourmet bridge mix… and a love coupon book. This would be a great basket to send to your Valentine.

b. Valentine Gift Box:
Alternatively, you can send a Valentine gift box. There are many designs to choose from. A popular gift box includes a “Kiss Me” valentine teddy bear with his feet embroidered with the words “Kiss Me”. His arms deliver an abundance of tasty treats, including chocolate fudge, caramel corn, Ghirardelli chocolate bar, white frosted pretzels, and chocolate vanilla Cappuccino. You can also find gift boxes with other plush animals, including plush monkey and singing plush Biker Dog. These gift boxes can be sent to your boyfriend or girl friend.

c. Romantic Gift Basket:
You can touch your lover’s heart and bring a smile to her face by sending her a romantic gift basket. A popular basket consists of a beautiful gold chest filled with romantic candle gift set, frosted glass votive candle holder, sensual chocolate body frosting, assorted chocolates, almond body butter massage lotion, and the Wisdom of the Heart Love and Romance book. She will be impressed with your elegant taste when you send her this romantic gift basket. For a romantic evening, send her a basket filled with fine chocolates, caressing music CD, chocolate chip tea cakes, raspberry almond shortbread cookies, sparkling white grape juice…and slightly naughty chocolate body paints and candy tattoos. This basket will make Valentines Day special.

d. Romantic Massage Gift Basket:
You can add the magic of massage to your Valentines Day with a romantic massage gift basket. Your Valentine will long remember the treats in store in this basket of loving gifts, including massage oil, an acrylic massager, a massage booklet. chocolates, cookies, and a chocolate fondue kit to say I love you in good taste.

e. Spa Gift Baskets:
You can give that special person a romantic candlelight bath. Send her a reusable heart basket filled with luxurious lemongrass spa products, lotion and cream. Also included is a candle to light while soaking in lemongrass essence and bath caviar. She can relax later that evening with some wonderful Bellagio’s cocoas, coffee and a chocolate bar, red chocolate roses, chocolate truffles and cookies. Alternatively, you can appeal to all her senses with an aroma therapy dream kit which includes pure essential massage oils, fragrant bath oil, moisturizing balm, incense, and a fragrant candle. This gift promotes an evocative gentle dreamy atmosphere and is a great valentine gift for him or her.

f. Love Candle:
Music and candles light the way to love. This gift set includes heart shaped candle, scented votives, candleholders, and a music CD, all arranged in a wooden “love letter” box. Share with your special person to get on the path to romance.

g. Red Roses:
Beautiful rose bouquets are favorites for Valentine’s Day. These fresh and stunning long-stemmed red roses will delight your sweetheart.

h. Chocolate Rose:
You can overwhelm someone very special with a bouquet of one dozen perfect long-stemmed roses with chocolate treats wrapped in each bud.

i. Teddy Bear and Chocolates:
You can send an adorable plush teddy bearing gifts of luscious chocolates. The little bear will warm the heart of the one you love, and the delicious truffles will deliver your sentiments of love and affection in good taste.

In summary, Valentine’s Day is a day to express your love to your sweetheart by sending a gift and love note. There are many Valentine gifts to choose from, including Valentine gift basket, Valentine gift box, romantic gift basket, romantic massage gift basket, spa gift baskets, red roses, chocolate rose, teddy bear and chocolates, love candle. Send Valentines day gift to someone you love, and show him or her how much you care this Valentines Day.

Kate S. is the CEO of Gift Basket for All, LLC. You can visit her site by clicking on the link below:
Gift Baskets
Gift Basket for All.com offers sensational gift baskets for all occasions, including anniversary, holidays, new baby, birthday, get well, thank you.

gourmet dark chocolate truffles

What is the Most Expensive Chocolate?

By Chris Alleny

There’s a huge variety of chocolate in the world, from the humble Hershey’s bar to high end, exotic chocolaty delights made by experienced chocolatiers. To many people, the colorfully wrapped chocolate bars you see in most stores aren’t worth bothering with - they have a low cocoa content, and sometimes they aren’t even legally called chocolate. That’s what’s going on if you see a candy bar described as a “chocolate confection” or covered in a “chocolatey coating”. There’s chocolate in there, but not much. Who really wants chocolate that is not chocolate? Not me that is for sure.

For those who believe that life’s too short to eat cheap chocolate, there’s a wide variety of high end products available. Unlike ordinary candy, they don’t use inexpensive ingredients made for maximum shelf life. They’re going for taste and quality, and using the best ingredients they can find. However, that results in a very expensive product. High end chocolate can go for more than seventy-five dollars a pound - in some cases a lot more. Here are the most expensive chocolates the world has to offer. If you have the money you will not be sorry for treating yourself to real chocolate like these.

Chocopologie - Made by Knipschildy Chocolatier, founded in 1999, this incredibly expensive chocolate costs around two thousand, six hundred dollars per pound. A single dark chocolate truffle costs two hundred fifty dollars, and has a real black French truffle - the mushroom - inside. They’re available only be pre-order, and are made entirely of Valrhona cacao - seventy percent per bar. This is blended into a ganache using real truffle oil, then the truffle itself is hand rolled, with the dark French truffle inside, and dusted with high quality cocoa powder.

Noka Vintages Collection - At more than eight hundred fifty dollars per pound, Noka chocolate is expensive, but also known as some of the finest dark chocolate around. It’s sourced from specific plantations in Ecuador, Cote d’Ivoire, Venezuela and Trinidad. The Vintages collection is made of single origin cacao (coming from just one plantation), which makes up seventy-five percent of the bar. Other ingredients include sugar and cacao butter. No emulsifiers are used, and the commonly included vanilla flavor is omitted to give fans pure enjoyment of the chocolate. Delafee - Delafee’s chocolates cost around five hundred dollars a pound, making them less expensive than Chocopologie or the Vintages Collection, but not by much. These sparkling chocolates include edible gold, hand applied to each individual chocolate. Vanilla, coconut oil, milk powder, sugar and cocoa butter are included as well.

Godiva’s G Collection - This well known Belgian chocolatier’s G collection includes many different flavors, and costs one hundred twenty dollars per pound. Those flavors include Tasmanian Honey, Mexican Hot Chocolate and Palet d’Or, amony others.
Richart - Also at one hundred twenty dollars a pound, Richart chocolate is made from seventy percent Venezualen Criollo cocoa, some of the best in the world. Its mild flavor is paired with high quality spices, raspberries, almonds and more, and the cocoa is ground as finely as possible.

sugar free dark chocolate chips

What are Uses of Sugar Free Chocolates?

By garretlloyd

At present, most people suffer from some or the other chronic diseases. It is not always possible to stay away from chronic diseases. Eating healthy and doing regular exercise is the best solution to the recurring problem. There are numerous medicines in the market which are helpful for people. Sometimes the allopathic medicines are harmful and have side effects. For this reason, many people avoid allopathic medicines. They opt for homeopathic and ayurvedic medicines which have no or minimum side effects. But they often do not help in driving out completely the disease. Therefore people generally opt for whatever comes to their hands. Often the healthy gourmet and sugar-free chocolates come as a solution to the problem.

The sugar free chocolates have anti oxidant property and are tasty as well. Since the value of flavonoids (as natural anti oxidants) is well known, green tea is favored all over the world. It has a large amount of flavonoid. Much flavonoid is also available in strawberry. It is highly beneficial for health.

Dark chocolates which are free from sugar are also beneficial. Although chocolates are known to increase the weight of an individual, these sugar free chocolates do not always increase the weight. Thus one can stay away from obesity, the continual problem for many. Therefore sugar free chocolates are preferred by young and old alike.

порно зрел спорт эротика

Sugar-free chocolates are also essential for diabetes patients. They can indulge in these sugar-free chocolates even when they are under a strict restriction of food. The sugar-free dark chocolates have proven medical benefits. They are also said to boost up the energy level. So while you are going out for a trip you can make sure to stuff your pockets with lots of sugar-free dark chocolates to boost your energy!

There is no added caffeine in these products. Caffeine is harmful for the body and liver. Since no caffeine is present in sugar free chocolates chances of caffeine side effects are lowered to some extent. The dark sugar free chocolates can be taken by both vegan and non vegetarians

Taking chocolates also encourages appetite control. This means that you will feel a bit hungrier next time you take dark sugar free chocolates. Since cardiovascular health is promoted by these sugar free chocolates it is recommended for patients with chronic heart diseases. Another important property of the dark chocolates is the anti ageing property. They also contain protective materials which are valuable for the skin. Therefore if you want a glow in your skin then you can opt for the sugar free chocolates.

raw chocolate nibs

The Process of Making Chocolate

By Chris Alleny

Making chocolate involves a long process, from the cacao tree to the hands of the farmers to the factory to the hands of the master chocolate maker.

From Nature to the Factory

Chocolate comes from processed cacao beans, harvested from the cacao tree. Cacao trees only grow in tropical climates, 10 to 20 degrees north and south of the equator. The first cacao trees grew in the Amazon basins, north of Brazil. Today it is grown and cultivated in many tropical countries such as Ghana, Brazil, Nigeria, and the Ivory Coast, which are also four of the largest cacao growers in the world. Cacao trees strive in warm and humid weather with little or no wind. They like loose rich soil and shaded sunlight, usually growing under the shade of taller trees such as coconut, banana, and rubber trees. Cacao trees are harvested only twice a year. The pods, where the seeds or the beans can be harvested, take five to six months to develop. The pods turn to orange or red from a green or yellow color once they are ripe and ready for picking. To harvest the pods, farmers use a machete to cut them off the tree. This is why cacao trees are trimmed to only about twenty feet, because they can shoot up as high as sixty feet. After picking, the cacao beans or seeds are left to ferment for several days, depending on the types of cacao variety. After fermentation, the seeds are wrinkled and darker in color and lose their overly bitter taste. They are the dried under the sun for another several days and then packed in sacks and shipped into factories. In the factory, the beans are cleaned and sorted and roasted at 450 to 350 degrees for thirty minutes up to two hours. Inside large revolving drums.

Making Chocolate Liquor

After roasting, the cacao beans’ outer shell are removed, the process of which is called winnowing. The separated shells are sold as animal feeds and the inner nib is crushed and heated until it melts into cocoa butter and then ground into a thick paste called chocolate liquor. Liquor in this case does not mean it contains any alcohol but simply is in liquid form. This chocolate liquor forms the base of different types of chocolates, including dark, white, and milk chocolate. The concentration of the chocolate liquor will determine the richness of the chocolate’s taste.

Different Processes for Different Types of Chocolate

There are also different processes for making different kinds of chocolate. Dutch-processed cocoa requires an alkali treatment. Without an alkali treatment, the liquor becomes cocoa powder and can be used for baking. To make cocoa powder, 10 to 25 percent of the cocoa butter is extracted from the cocoa liquor using a large press machine. This produces a cakey form, which is then ground and sifted using silk, nylon, or wire mesh. Dark chocolate is made by combining chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, vanilla and sugar. Milk chocolate is also a combination of those ingredients but has less cocoa liquor and milk is added in the mixture. Diabetic chocolate can be processed like milk or dark chocolate but contains no sugar, and instead make use of sugar alternatives.

You may want to check out my other guide on gourmet chocolate gift basket and candy baskets