FAQ
How should artisanal chocolate be stored?
Chocolate should be stored in a cool, dry place, at a temperature between 15-18°C, away from heat sources and odors. Avoid the refrigerator which can cause condensation and alter the chocolate structure. Under the right conditions, it keeps for several months.
What's the difference between artisanal and industrial chocolate?
Artisanal chocolate is distinguished by the selection of raw materials, long processing times, absence of added vegetable fats and preservatives. Conching can last up to 72 hours compared to the few hours of the industrial process, resulting in a more aromatic and digestible product.
Why is dark chocolate considered healthier?
Dark chocolate contains more cocoa and less sugar compared to milk chocolate. The higher the cocoa percentage, the greater the benefits: antioxidants, minerals and substances that promote good mood like phenylethylamine and tryptophan.
How should artisanal chocolate be tasted?
To appreciate artisanal chocolate, let it melt slowly in your mouth without chewing. The ideal tasting temperature is 20-22°C. Start with lower cocoa percentages and gradually increase to educate the palate to the more complex notes of dark chocolate.
What is Santé chocolate?
"Santé" chocolate is prepared following the nineteenth-century recipe, using exclusively cocoa and sugar in almost equal proportions, without any other ingredient. The lack of conching, then unknown, gives the chocolate a dense and not very moldable paste, ideal for grating or melting in a cup, as it was traditionally consumed. This chocolate was considered an excellent food and was called "Santé" to distinguish it from common chocolates, often adulterated, and for its natural beneficial properties.