What does the percentage in chocolate bars mean?
The percentage indicates the mass of the chocolate bar that comes directly from the cocoa bean. The higher the percentage, the lower the sugar content and/or other ingredients. Dark chocolate bars that have 70% or more cocoa content have been found to have the greatest health benefits. What is the difference between a blended chocolate and a named origin chocolate? In a blended chocolate, the chocolatier compiles cacao from different regions in order to achieve a desired flavor profile and consistency over time. With named origin chocolates (much like vintage wines), the chocolatier uses cacao from one location in order to expose the flavor of chocolate from that specific region or plantation. What is Forastero? Criollo? Trinitario? Cocoa beans come from a family of trees with three basic varietals. The two oldest are called Forastero and Criollo. Forastero was first domesticated in the 1700s and now represents 90% of the world’s production due to its heartiness and greater productivit
