Saturday, March 4, 2023

Thomas Keller K+M Chocolate - Dark Chocolate Yuzu 70% Cacao (bar) - Mar. 4, 2023

Chocolate of the Day

Thomas Keller, K+M Chocolate
Dark Chocolate Yuzu 70% Cacao (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .95 oz. (27.5 g.) / 1.9 oz. (55 g.) in total bar
Calories:  calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $18.25 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Napa Farms Market, SFO, San Francisco, CA

Welcome to Day #2 of Chocolate and Fruits Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate Yuzu 70% Cacao "bean-to-bar" chocolate was from K+M Chocolate* and made in Napa, CA.

Yuzu, the highlighted fruit today, originated in Asia/SE Asia, as did virtually all citrus. California (and other "warm" states) in the U.S. (as well as many other countries with a Mediterranean climate) have cultivated citrus for centuries. 

When citrus reached countries with access to cacao from the Americas, centuries ago, it was perhaps inevitable that citrus and citrus peel flavored chocolates should follow. (Earl Grey flavored chocolate anyone?)

Today's chocolate maker(s) reside in Napa, at the heart of wine and food country in Northern California--home of great chefs, and specialty wine and food providers, and where one expects to find great chocolate desserts and confections. Sure enough, we find today's skillfully executed bar (and others) from K+ M Chocolate. 

The peel of "Japanese Yuzu fruit" was infused into the cocoa butter (the "fat" portion of chocolate) before being fully incorporated into the cocoa mass/dark chocolate bar. The result: a very smooth and completely incorporated flavor (vs. trying to mix in whole/dried fruit inclusions later in the process).

Aroma notes included: subtle dark chocolate and faint, aromatic citrus aroma.

This 70% cacao dark chocolate (made with Arriba Nacional cacao from Hacienda Victoria estate in Ecuador) was smooth and uniform texture and mouthfeel. (There was no olive oil in this bar as has been in other K+M bars. Olive oil can create a silky texture, but added fats can also partially obscure flavors.)

Flavor notes included: dark, bold but smooth, chocolate; light, tangy citrus (yuzu, sweet tangerine); and very faint spice (white and black pepper). There was a very faint fruit astringency in the finish. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable and sophisticated, special occasion chocolate. Was it worth $18.25 (USD)? You'll have to be the judge.

Ingredients: Cacao, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, freeze dried yuzu, organic sunflower lecithin

Allergen-related information: (None listed on packaging.)

*K+M Chocolate is a collaboration between well-known Chef Thomas Keller (chef-owner of the French Laundry restaurant) and Thomas Manni, producer of extra virgin olive oils.


1 comment:

Rich said...

A bar cut with sunflower lecithin for 18.25? I think not...

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