Because of the efforts of the famous persons in the chocolate industry, chocolate aficionados could now get their hands on a gourmet chocolate gift. A gourmet chocolate is different from the candied adulterations of the rich cacao mix.
A brief history of how chocolate standards came about
Early in the 90's the European Union had set food criterion for its member countries. The story of chocolate was not spared of this. Early on, Belgium, France and Germany, three countries that are internationally known for their impressive chocolates, had suggested that the name "chocolate" should only be given to those products that have more than 50% cacao in them.
However, there were countries that contradicts this. Among them were England and Switzerland - which however not part of the European Union is interested of its EU market for its milk chocolate candy. The concern was hot that it even came up to threatened trade wars. But later on, Germany, which also had a lot of candy manufacturing companies, changed its decision in favour of the latter.
It was then settled that any food with at least 1% cacao content can be called chocolate. But with the term that manufacturers label their chocolates properly complete with cocoa percentages. Because of this, discriminating buyers were able to identify which were posers and which were real chocolates.
What is a Gourmet Chocolate
The fine chocolate originated from these trade of developments. Even as candy factories kept producing fake chocolates, tempting buyers with shinning packages, sold in huge packs, there are those who want to cater to the chocolate elites. Not to be outdone by the promotional packages of the candies, really good chocolates could now also be purchased in gift packages. Truly these chocolates may cost much costly, but rest assured that your purchase is deserving every cent you spent.
Gourmet chocolates have higher cocoa content, thus giving the possibility that its much healthier than any common chocolates. Higher cocoa percentage means higher levels of anti-oxidants. Gourmet chocolates were not subjected to too much processes so you do not have to fret of the quality of its antioxidant content.
Manufacturers of excellent quality chocolates make it a point that what you taste would really be chocolate. Others add more ingredients, enhance the texture and color, and consequently damage the cocoa taste. There are also those inexpensive products that attract to those who just want an energy rush as they increase the sugar content in their bars. The sweetness overpowers the rich bitterness of cocoa and makes the bar too candy-like.
Since not all of us are experts in chocolates, it is best to scan the labels of what you intend to purchase. Don't just accept the face value, check and read the percentage of contents. Better yet, go to a certified specialty shop and ask for their selection of handmade chocolates.
A brief history of how chocolate standards came about
Early in the 90's the European Union had set food criterion for its member countries. The story of chocolate was not spared of this. Early on, Belgium, France and Germany, three countries that are internationally known for their impressive chocolates, had suggested that the name "chocolate" should only be given to those products that have more than 50% cacao in them.
However, there were countries that contradicts this. Among them were England and Switzerland - which however not part of the European Union is interested of its EU market for its milk chocolate candy. The concern was hot that it even came up to threatened trade wars. But later on, Germany, which also had a lot of candy manufacturing companies, changed its decision in favour of the latter.
It was then settled that any food with at least 1% cacao content can be called chocolate. But with the term that manufacturers label their chocolates properly complete with cocoa percentages. Because of this, discriminating buyers were able to identify which were posers and which were real chocolates.
What is a Gourmet Chocolate
The fine chocolate originated from these trade of developments. Even as candy factories kept producing fake chocolates, tempting buyers with shinning packages, sold in huge packs, there are those who want to cater to the chocolate elites. Not to be outdone by the promotional packages of the candies, really good chocolates could now also be purchased in gift packages. Truly these chocolates may cost much costly, but rest assured that your purchase is deserving every cent you spent.
Gourmet chocolates have higher cocoa content, thus giving the possibility that its much healthier than any common chocolates. Higher cocoa percentage means higher levels of anti-oxidants. Gourmet chocolates were not subjected to too much processes so you do not have to fret of the quality of its antioxidant content.
Manufacturers of excellent quality chocolates make it a point that what you taste would really be chocolate. Others add more ingredients, enhance the texture and color, and consequently damage the cocoa taste. There are also those inexpensive products that attract to those who just want an energy rush as they increase the sugar content in their bars. The sweetness overpowers the rich bitterness of cocoa and makes the bar too candy-like.
Since not all of us are experts in chocolates, it is best to scan the labels of what you intend to purchase. Don't just accept the face value, check and read the percentage of contents. Better yet, go to a certified specialty shop and ask for their selection of handmade chocolates.
About the Author:
Steve Vaughan has been in the field of gourmet chocolate gift for a long time and maintains a website about fine chocolate where you can get answers to the rest of your questions.
