Thursday, November 25, 2010

How To Choose The Best Luxury Chocolates

By Katie Clayton


Gourmet chocolate is a luxury which many people reserve for Christmas. So if you're searching for the perfect box of chocolates for a loved one it's important to make it extra special. You may have to try a few different types before you make the right decision, making it just as much a treat for you as it is for them!

Milk, dark, white, nutty, fruity and spicy are just some of the types of chocolate you may encounter on your quest, so you're certain to find something you'll love. It is particularly important to look at the ingredients list and suss out which chocolates have the highest cocoa content. Anything from 70% to 85% means you are buying high quality chocolate. Lower quality chocolates will replace this cocoa with large amounts of sugar and fats.

When purchasing a luxury item appearance is extremely important. The best chocolate will have an even colour like dark or mahogany brown with no streaks, blemishes or cracks. The sign of good quality chocolate is a clean snap when you break off a piece. This indicates that it has a high quantity of cocoa butter rather than vegetable fats which would cause it to crumble or splinter. Chocolate which begins to melt onto your fingers within a few seconds is also an excellent indicator of high cocoa butter content.

Chocolate is designed to melt at body temperature, so it should begin melting in your hands within seconds. When you finally get to taste your chocolate it should almost dissolve on the tongue. The texture should not be waxy, grainy or powdery but smooth and silky. Expensive chocolate will not smell overly sweet but strong and rich - and this will definitely impact on the taste.

Whichever chocolates you end up choosing, whether they are expensive or a cheaper brand of luxury chocolates, you are sure to delight your loved one. They will appreciate the thought and effort you have put into finding the perfect chocolate rather than just choosing a box from a supermarket. You'll also get to sample some of the best chocolates yourself in the process.




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