Learn how to truly experience chocolate, not just eat it. Breathe in the chocolaty aromas, gaze at the glossy brown surface, listen for the distinctive snap of a gourmet chocolate bar being broken. Not unlike wine, chocolate tasting is an experience that expands far beyond taste. Engage all of your senses and get more out of your chocolate experience with these tasting tips:
THE NOSE KNOWS
The smell of gourmet chocolate can be as rich as the taste. Fresh chocolate smells sweet and well, chocolaty. Close your eyes, breathe, and take in its tempting characteristics - floral lavender, sun-ripened apricots, subtly spicy ginger.
The smell of gourmet chocolate can be as rich as the taste. Fresh chocolate smells sweet and well, chocolaty. Close your eyes, breathe, and take in its tempting characteristics - floral lavender, sun-ripened apricots, subtly spicy ginger.
SAVOR THE BEST FOR LAST
Now for the fun part! Avoid sensory overload by tasting small pieces. Did you know that the melting point of chocolate is the same as body temperature? Let the chocolate melt in your mouth for a few seconds and enjoy the primary flavors and aromas. Quality chocolate feels firm and will melt cleanly without waxy, sticky or grainy textures. Biting into the chocolate will release secondary flavors, but don't stop there. Roll the chocolate around on your tongue to awaken the four taste zones - sweet and salty (tip of the tongue), sour (sides) and bitter (back).
RINSE AND REPEAT
Cleanse your palate and indulge again!
Now for the fun part! Avoid sensory overload by tasting small pieces. Did you know that the melting point of chocolate is the same as body temperature? Let the chocolate melt in your mouth for a few seconds and enjoy the primary flavors and aromas. Quality chocolate feels firm and will melt cleanly without waxy, sticky or grainy textures. Biting into the chocolate will release secondary flavors, but don't stop there. Roll the chocolate around on your tongue to awaken the four taste zones - sweet and salty (tip of the tongue), sour (sides) and bitter (back).
RINSE AND REPEAT
Cleanse your palate and indulge again!