Bonus entry: Matcha white chocolate bars from 3 chocolate makers - July 9, 2024

Chocolate(s) of the Day

Rozsavolgyi Csokolade
Green herbs and Matcha tea in White Chocolate with Lemon oil (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 164 calories in 1 oz. (28.3 g.) serving
Cost: $15.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order

Deux Cranes
Sakura + Matcha Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: .5 oz. (14.1 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 177.5 calories (estimate) in .5 oz. of  bar
Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: The Sweet Shop, Los Altos, CA 

Fjak Chocolate
Limited Edition - Sea Buckthorn & Matcha White Chocolate (bar)
Good ++ 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2.11 oz. (60 g.) in total bar
Calories: 161 calories (estimate) in 1 oz. of bar
Cost: $12.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar and Cocoa, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Japan Theme Week. My Chocolate of the Day was a Hojicha Hot Chocolate from Dandelion Chocolate (San Francisco, CA). 

This bonus post includes three white chocolates (made with cocoa butter, but no cocoa solids*) that all contain Matcha green tea. These Japan-inspired flavor fusions of east and west were fun to try.

Green Herbs, Matcha, Lemon (bar)

This pretty bar was created in Budapest (Hungary), using Matcha green tea from Japan. But, that was just the starting point.

This creamy, jade-hued bar was a blend of bright lemon citrus, mint, green tea and green herb (tarragon). This beautifully patterned green bar was a refreshingly sweet summer white chocolate; and it offered perhaps the freshest spring-summer botanical bouquet of the three.

Sakura + Matcha (bar)

Deux Cranes (Los Gatos, CA) uses flavors from Japan and French (Valrhona) chocolate to make their bars and creations. 

Aroma and flavor notes for this jade green and pink bar included: sweet green tea and very faint floral cheesecake, vanilla and cherry. (It contained both Sakura (cherry blossom) leaf powder and flower petals.) (Extra points for authentic Japanese ingredients.)

The slightly astringent, authentic green tea lingered into the finish. And the faint cherry blossom note gave this bar some extra floral polish.

Sea Buckthorn & Matcha (bar)

Fjak Chocolate is based in Eidfjord, Norway; and many of their most memorable bean-to-bar offerings include local Norwegian flavors (like apple cider; berries; reindeer moss; brown cheese). 

This Limited Edition bar was part of Fjak's "World Flavours" collection. Matcha was paired with a local orange "sea berry" (that grows on tall bushes in Northern Europe, Mongoloia, Russia--and Canada).

This elegant bar was beautifully constructed using two (fused) layers: a sea green matcha green tea layer on the bottom was topped with a golden colored (sea buckthorn) layer. The tea and fruit additions were wholly incorporated into the smooth two-toned chocolate.

The green layer was initially fairly green tea forward. Then the top layer kicked in. It was infused with tart-sweet fruit flavor (sea buckthorn, cape gooseberry, very faint tamarind). The two layers harmonized nicely and gave me a chance to better enjoy each of these two complementary flavors even as they melted into one.

The tart-sweet Sea Buckthorn fruit livened the tea up a bit -- like squeezing sweet, fresh lemon to a cup of black tea.

Summary

I loved that all three gently complex and balanced bars were not overly sweet (thank you!); and all were visually appealing, thoughtfully designed and well-executed white chocolates--blended with authentic-tasting green (Matcha) tea and fresh fruit/floral/herbal flavor inclusions.

*I don't "count" white chocolates as a formal Chocolate of the Day; but they can be fun extra entries in theme weeks.

Dandelion Chocolate - Hojicha Hot Chocolate Mix - July 9, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Dandelion Chocolate
Hojicha Hot Chocolate Mix 
Good ++ 
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 5.6 oz. (160 g.) in total glass container
Calories: 217 calories (estimate) in 1 serving (1/4 container)  

Cost: $18.00 for 1 container
Purchased from: Dandelion Chocolate, online order

Welcome to Day #8 of Chocolate and Japan Theme Week, with a few chocolates featuring Japanese green teas. Hojicha is a roasted green tea from Japan.

Today's Hojicha Hot Chocolate Mix* was from San Francisco-based Dandelion Chocolate. (The company also has a location in Tokyo, Japan).

Dandelion is most well-known for their bean-to-bar chocolate (bars). This Japanese-inspired, hot beverage blend was made with single origin 70% Camino Verde, Ecuador cacao/chocolate and was attractively packaged in a smoke-colored glass container with a cork stopper. Was this 4-serving container expensive? At $4.50 per serving, yes. But, I felt I was paying for the whole experience (being in Japan without the plane flight--or having to find parking in the Mission District of San Francisco). And I'll definitely use the glass container for other things.**

Aroma notes (after removing the stopper) included: dark chocolate (oxalis, tannic botanicals, very faint diffuse fruit (persimmon and brown sugar)), roasted and slightly acidic tea. After taking out a few spoonfuls, there were more fragrant, almost floral green tea notes below the surface.

As I prepared this into hot chocolate, the tiny granules of chocolate-y, single origin dark chocolate dissolved into a fragrant, crisp green tea background. (Tip: Try to heat this blend and whisk just enough to melt the chocolate, but not so much that you lose the more delicate (volatile) green tea notes.)

The green tea flavor was very refreshing, especially when I drank this beverage cold. (We're having a heat wave in California.) I enjoyed the opportunity to try this blend of bold and delicate, nuanced flavors; and the fact that it was very lightly sweetened (thank you!). Other tasting notes included: faint roasted, balanced earth and very slight astringency (likely from the tea).

Maker's notes: "Japanese green tea + 70% fudge-y Ecuador chocolate...that whisks up rich and creamy, drinks with subtle smoky notes and a smooth finish..." 

Ingredients: 70% Camino Verde, Ecuador chocolate (cocoa beans, organic cane sugar), light brown sugar, roasted green tea

Allergen-related information: "Packed in a facility that also processes peanuts, milk, tree nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, and coconuts), sesame, wheat, and soy."

*Other hot chocolate mixes currently offered by the company: a classic House Hot Chocolate, a spicy Mission Hot Chocolate, and a House Mocha blend.

**2023-2024 will go down as a period when chocolate prices rose significantly. And, due to inflation and climate changes (e.g. hotter weather, stronger storms, failed crops), prices will likely stay high.  

Wildwood Chocolate - Yuzu with Roasted Brown Rice (bar) - July 8, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Wildwood Chocolate
Yuzu with Roasted Brown Rice (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.5 oz. (42.5 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 225 calories in 1/2 bar
Cost: $17.50 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Health Spa and Healing Center and Spa, Cavallo Point, Sausalito, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of Chocolate and Japan Theme Week. This week features chocolates made: in Japan; by Japanese chefs and chocolatiers; and/or with flavor inclusions inspired by Japanese cuisine.

Today's Yuzu with Roasted Brown Rice (bar) was from Wildwood Chocolate (Portland, OR). 

If you like botanically-themed chocolates, you'll appreciate the beautiful fern and floral patterns on Wildwood bars. (The company name was inspired by a favorite local trail in the Portland area.)*

Aroma notes included a complex, aromatic blend of balanced, very slightly acidic/smokey (peaty), sweet green dark chocolate, citrus and rice.

This attractive bar was a textural feast that included: thick dark and creamy; candied-fruit chewy; and light and crunchy elements.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (fudge-y, very slightly acidic/peaty but otherwise very smooth); candied yuzu fruit with sweet citrus and faint floral notes; and evenly toasted rice with faint roasted, nutty and malty notes.

I enjoyed the choice of rich, complex, darker (70%) chocolate--that was flavorful, yet did not overwhelm the yuzu fruit and roasted rice.

Maker's tasting notes: "Delicate floral candied yuzu pairs beautifully with subtle nutty crunchy roasted brown rice, blending beautiful flavors and textures over rich 70% dark chocolate. Enjoy a cup of genmaicha or your favorite cheese."

Ingredients: Bittersweet Chocolate (cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, sugar, sunflower lecithin, vanilla), Candied Yuzu (yuzu, beet sugar, millet jelly (tapioca starch), ascorbic acid), Roasted Brown Rice.

Allergen-related information: May contain traces of the following if not listed above due to shared equipment: soy, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and eggs.

*This may sound a little fanciful. But, Portland is also a city with a high chocolate IQ, with some serious chocolate makers and chocolatiers. 

Deux Cranes - Hojicha Caramel Milk Chocolate (bar) - July 7, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Deux Cranes
Hojicha Caramel Milk Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 191 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar

Cost: $15.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Deux Cranes, online order

Welcome to Day #6 of Chocolate and Japan Theme Week.

Today's Hojicha Caramel Milk Chocolate (bar) was created by Deux Cranes LLC (Los Gatos, CA). The company's handcrafted chocolates are "rooted in Japan (and) inspired by France." (I previously featured the Deux Cranes Miso Almonds chocolate bar.)

French-trained chocolatier, Michiko Marron-Kibbey, draws on her Japanese heritage and uses Valrhona chocolate(s) from France in their bars and confections.

Aroma and flavor notes for his Hojicha bar included: smooth and creamy dark milk chocolate; lovely, very slightly floral (jasmine/jasmine rice like) green tea; and very faint caramel/brown sugar. 

The milk helped balance the sugar, and buffered any tannic acidity that might have been present in the tea without subduing the chocolate and green tea flavors. The chocolate had a smooth, rich chocolate milk flavor and finish.

I loved the light, refreshing, green tea aroma, and appreciated the well-executed balance between the various ingredients. Yes, it was sweet...and slightly addictive.

Ingredients: Caramelized Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa butter, Caramel (skimmed milk, whey (milk), sugar, butter (milk), flavoring), Whole milk powder, Cocoa beans) sunflower lecithin (Emulsifier), Hojicha Ground Tea, Sea Salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains: Milk. (This product may contain traces of nuts, milk, and gluten. Produced and packaged in the same facility as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and milk products.

Deux Cranes - Dark Chocolate with Black Sesame + Ginger (bar) - July 6, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Deux Cranes
Dark Chocolate with Black Sesame + Ginger (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.23 oz. (35 g.) / 2.47 oz. (70 g.) in total bar
Calories: 191 calories (estimate) in 1/2 bar

Cost: $16.00 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Deux Cranes, online order

Welcome to Day #5 of Chocolate and Japan Theme Week.

Today's Dark Chocolate with Black Sesame + Ginger (bar) was created by Deux Cranes LLC (Los Gatos, CA). The company's handcrafted chocolates are "rooted in Japan and inspired by France." (I previously featured their Miso Almonds chocolate bar.)

Aroma notes included: slightly earthy and fudge-y dark chocolate; faint Umami (sesame); warm spices (maple, caramel, vanilla, ginger); and very faint fresh bread.

Texture: smooth chocolate with crunchy caramelized sesame seeds and candied/crystallized ginger bits.

Flavor notes included: dark chocolate (ultra-dark fudge brownie); faint sesame and caramel/brown sugar; and warm hints of ginger.

Maker's tasting/flavor notes: "Earthy, Sweet Spices, Balanced Bitterness"

I enjoyed the nicely balanced and complex flavors in this well-executed bar. There was a lot going on; but it worked. Sweet dark chocolate and spices and a little salty and umami. (Disclaimer: I like less sweet and Umami chocolates.)

Ingredients: Caramelized Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Cocoa butter, Caramel (skimmed milk, whey (milk), sugar, butter (milk), flavoring), Whole milk powder, Cocoa beans) sunflower lecithin (Emulsifier), Hojicha Ground Tea, Sea Salt.

Allergen-related information: Contains: Sesame, Soy. May contain traces of nuts, milk, and gluten. Packaged and processed in the same facility as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and milk products.

Amano Artisan Chocolate - Citrus Melange A Trois 63% dark chocolate (bar) - July 5, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Amano Artisan Chocolate
Citrus Melange A Trois 63% dark chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Weight: 1.4 oz. (40 g.) / 3 oz. (85 g.) in total bar
Calories: 205 calories in 1 serving (approximately 1/2 bar)
Cost: $10.25 for 1 bar
Purchased from: Bar & Cocoa, online order 

Welcome to Day #4 of Chocolate and Japan Theme Week. Common flavor inclusions this week include Yuzu citrus, sesame seeds, green tea and other umami flavors.

Today's Citrus Melange A Trois 63% cocoa dark chocolate (bar) was made by Amano Chocolate Company (Orem, UT).

Aroma notes for this bar included: chocolate torte with citrus (orange, tangerine, other tart-sweet orange and citrus fruit); and very faint, fleeting botanicals/spices (green pepper/peppery greens, oxalis, citrus-pine, vanilla).

Texture: smooth dark chocolate with citrus flavors and an occasional, tiny trophy bit of citrus.

I really enjoyed the blend of dark chocolate and complex (and complementary) micro-bursts of authentic, tart-sweet citrus--including Yuzu fruit from Japan.*

Note: Amano also offers a Japanese Sea Salt and Cocoa Nibs bar.

Maker's tasting notes: "Haunting flavor notes of Yuzu, tangerine, and grapefruit enrich the deep chocolate flavor. Orange pieces provide a layer of juiciness."

Ingredients: Chocolate: Cocoa Beans, Pure Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Vanilla Beans, Yuzu, Tangerine, and Grapefruit, Orange Pieces: Apple Puree, Apple Juice, Orange Juice, Fiber, Pectin, Paprika.

Allergen-related information: "May Contain Traces of Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Soy, Wheat and Milk Products"

*Citrus fruits originated in Asia; but there are a few hybrid citrus varieties, like Yuzu (aka Japanese citron), that are associated with Japan.

Dandelion Chocolate - Tokyo Gateau chocolate cake - July 4, 2024

Chocolate of the Day

Dandelion Chocolate
Tokyo Gateau chocolate cake
Good ++ - Good +++  
Weight: 4.85 oz. (113.3 g.) / 9.7 oz. (275 g.) in total cake
Calories: (Unknown)
Cost: $55.00 for 1 cake

Purchased from: Dandelion Chocolate, online order

Kon'nichiwa, yokoso (hello and welcome) to Day #3 of Chocolate and Japan Theme Week.

Today's Tokyo Gateau (chocolate cake)--ensconced in a reusable, wooden box was made by the Tokyo Pastry team in the Japan kitchen of Dandelion Chocolate (San Francisco, CA).

Aroma notes for this French-style chocolate cake included: rich, buttery smooth dark chocolate (ganache, buttery torte). 

I think of a French gateau as a buttery, velvety, cake (often with an incorporated filling or frosting layer). 

The texture for this one was indeed thick, buttery soft, velvety, and chocolate-y; and, yes, it was similar to a French Gateau au Chocolat. And it was very rich. 

It was described as having a texture of thick, creamy cheese. A chocolate version of creamy brie--but with dairy butter and silken eggs rather than cheese flavors. One slice of this chocolate cake with the texture of chocolate butter was enough to satisfy me. 

Flavor notes included: rich chocolate, caramel and very faint, diffuse buttery fruit (Anamalai cacao is somewhat fruity).

I loved that this rich chocolate cake was gluten-free, full of chocolate flavor, and made with four, "carefully sourced" ingredients. 

Reflecting the large jump in chocolate prices in the past year*, this cake was quite pricey; however, it was cheaper than hopping on a plane to Tokyo. (I also am enjoying reusing the wooden box for art supplies.) It was a deceptively simple cake, but probably one I wouldn't have had the patience to make. (Getting the eggs to behave can be harder than some think.)

Ingredients: Dandelion 70% chocolate (cocoa beans from Anamalai, India, organic cane sugar), butter, organic cane sugar, eggs. 

Allergen-related information: Contains milk (butter) and eggs. Made in a facility that also processes milk, wheat, eggs, peanuts, soy, sesame, tree nuts (almonds, hazelnuts).

Maker's description: "Developed to highlight the distinctive tasting notes of two complementary origins--(one being) Dandelion Japan 70% Anamalai, India, 2019 Harvest chocolate...These fudgy, almost cheesecake-like confections are crafted from single-origin chocolate, organic cane sugar, orange-yolked eggs, and unsalted butter. They contain no flour, and their silky texture is achieved by precise mixing and careful monitoring of ingredient temperature.

*The jump in cacao prices are due to many global factors, ranging from bad weather/storms hitting several key cacao growing nations (ruining crops) to inflation all through the supply chain. In today's case international shipping of a perishable pastry/cake from Japan to San Francisco (and then to my house during the summer) added to the price as well.