Chocolate is one of the most loved treats in the world. It’s indulgent, pleasurable and absolutely delicious. I turn to chocolate when I’m stressed, happy and sad. It has the most amazing ability to make you feel better.
As part of our monthly Coffee & Chocolate Club subscription, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy some of the best chocolate from around the UK. I’ve enjoyed both milk and dark flavours and now appreciate how good artisan chocolate can be.
Find out more about our Coffee & Chocolate Club here.
I’ve also had conversations with a number of amazing British chocolatiers who have given me their top chocolate tasting tips and I’d love to share them with you today.
One thing I’ve learnt is that when it comes to tasting chocolate, patience is key.
Chocolate Tasting Tips
These might sound simple but they really do make a difference. Here are the best chocolate tasting tips from some of the UK’s finest chocolatiers. Why not treat yourself to one of our coffee and chocolate hampers and try them out for yourself.
Don’t keep your chocolate in the fridge
“First and foremost, always store your chocolate in a room temperature cupboard to maintain the integrity of the flavours. If chocolate is placed in a fridge then it can result in a chocolate bloom meaning the experience may not be as enjoyable as it could be.” – Linda, Choc Affair.
Let the chocolate melt in your mouth
“Get a small piece, let it rest on your tongue and slowly let it melt in your mouth before biting.” – Nick, Sevenhills Chocolate.
Sprinkle salt to enhance the flavours
“It’s probably cliché but just a little bit of salt sprinkled on top makes chocolate taste sooo much better.” – Oli, Seed & Bean.
Cleanse the palette with water
“Try not to eat or drink anything for 30 minutes before hand. If tasting several flavours of chocolate, cleanse the palette with water between tastings.” – Alistair, AWesome Chocolates.
Always look at the ingredients
“The basic ingredients shouldn’t be more than cocoa mass, cocoa butter, sugar and milk powder (if a milk chocolate) and an emulsifier. This indicates a good quality chocolate. The taste of a good chocolate should linger in the mouth after you have eaten it.” – Fran, Guppy’s Chocolates.
Taste two chocolates alongside each other
“I love tasting two different types of chocolate alongside each other – depending on where the chocolate originates it will taste different and that goes for both milk and dark chocolate. Cocoa beans from West Africa for example have a different taste from Central American ones because of the climate differences (like coffee). And go with what you like not what you think you should like.” – Zoe, The Good Tempered Chocolate Co.
Taste alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee
“I like eating chocolate with a warm mug of tea – though coffee does the same trick. It warms your mouth up to make the chocolate extra melty.” – Jane, Davenport’s Chocolate.
You can’t buy happiness but you can buy chocolate and that’s pretty close!
I hope your mouth is tingling and after reading this, you’re off to find ourself some delicious chocolate to enjoy. If you try out any of the chocolate tasting tips above, let me know what you think!
In the meantime, take care and enjoy your chocolate.
Ruth
Founder, Coffee & Kin.
