Belgian Chocolate: Belgian Chocolate

Belgian Chocolate

Belgian chocolates are considered to be one of the best chocolates in the world. Belgian chocolate is considered to be the gourmet standard by which all other chocolate confections are measured. Belgian chocolate itself has been popular since the 18th century, but by a new process created in 1912 by Jean Neuhaus, Belgian chocolates increased in popularity by ten times. Belgian chocolate may be expensive, but most who have sampled it say that there is no comparison between a standard chocolate bar and a Belgian praline. Belgian chocolates have become the indulgences of rich people, and also one of the top favorites of the average working class.

Cacao

Belgium does not produce cacao. They import it and process the cacao. Chocolate is made up of a number of raw and processed foods produced from the seed of the cacao tree, which is found in tropical climates. Cacao trees normally cannot tolerate a temperature lower than 15 degrees Celsius or 59 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds of a typical cacao tree have a very bitter taste, and must be fermented to develop the flavor. After fermentation, the beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted, and the cacao shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. The Mayans, an early tropical civilization, grew cacao trees in their backyard, and used the cacao seeds it produced to make a foamy, bitter drink. There are three main varieties of cacao beans used in chocolate, and they are the criollo, forastero and trinitario beans. The most commonly grown cacao bean is the forastero.

Product

Chocolate production is based on the tradition of true Belgian craftsmanship, which resulted in Belgium chocolate maker Belcolade's crowning position in the worldwide professional market of high quality chocolate. Belgian chocolate, which is only cooled after its production, retains much of its aroma. Even in today's world of automation and mass production, most Belgian chocolate is still made by hand in small shops using original equipment. These chocolate producers of high quality, small batch chocolate argue that using mass production methods produce bad quality chocolate. Because of these beliefs, many if not all of the Belgian chocolate treats are hand crafted, making them much more delicate, and worthy of decadence than the mass produced standard chocolates of other chocolate production companies. Not only do the handmade chocolate treats concentrate on the health and other standards set forth by the food industry, but they focus on individuality that chocolate mass production does not allow or account for when they develop their products. But even Swiss chocolatiers, who are known for their high quality of Swiss chocolate, imported the basic recipe for chocolate production from the French and Belgian chocolate producers. Every year, on average, Belgium is able to produce about 172, 000 Tons of chocolate products.

Assortment

Belgiun chocolates can come in a wide range of premium gift boxes, luxurious assortments, individually wrapped chocolates, bars, Christmas and Easter specials. Belgium truffles are normally generously filled with an assortment of flavored chocolate ganache ranging from Latte Macchiato to Viennese Amaretto to Grand Marnier. For someone who likes intense extra bittersweet chocolate, chocolates using different formulations, like 70% cocoa bittersweet and 88% cocoa extra bittersweet, can satisfy their bittersweet chocolate cravings. Belgian chocolate pralines could be filled with a variety of flavored nougats or creams, such as coffee, hazelnut, fruit or more chocolate. Whether you're looking for an assortment of dark Belgian chocolates, truffles or any delicious Belgium chocolate creations, you are sure to find the perfect selection of chocolates that interest you, including gourmet Vegan chocolates. Belgium chocolates are truly an incredible experience!

Go for it

Belgian chocolate is considered to be the gourmet standard by which all other chocolate confections are measured. Belgian chocolate itself has been intensely popular since the 18th century. Belgian chocolate has a long history in Europe, giving Belgian chocolate a solid reputation. Belgian chocolate is, perhaps, the finest in the world and certainly a delight that should be savored. What makes Belgian chocolate unique is the quality of ingredients and an almost fanatical adherence to Old World manufacturing techniques. Today, there are available websites that offer Belgian chocolate cookies as well as other Belgian chocolates for sale where you do not have to go to your nearest candy store anymore but order online and wait for it to arrive at your doorstep.

Why is Belgian chocolate better than other chocolate? (Answers: 3) (Comments: 1)

Obviously it is entirely subjective as to whether Belgian chocolate is actually 'better' than other chocolate, but I think most people who've tried a lot of different chocolate would agree it is pretty special :O) What is it that makes it better? Are the Belgian cows (that make the Belgian milk, that is used to make the Belgian chocolate) just superior to other cows?

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