Trader Joe's - Organic Dark Chocolate Covered Whole Cocoa Beans - Aug. 15, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Trader Joe's
Organic Dark Chocolate Covered Whole Cocoa Beans 
Good + - Good ++
Weight: 2.12 oz. (60 g.) / 3.52 oz. (100 g.) in total package
Calories: 360 calories in 2 servings (approx. 2/3 package) 
Cost: $ missing information
Purchased from: Trader Joe's, San Carlos, CA

Welcome to Day #7 of 100% Cacao and Nibs Theme Week. Today's featured item used whole cocoa beans instead of nibs (the more commonly found pieces of cocoa beans). Whole beans are the most unprocessed form of 100% cacao one can enjoy.

Today's Organic Dark Chocolate Covered Whole Cocoa Beans were made in Italy for Trader Joe's (Monrovia, CA).

The aroma signaled interesting complexity to come, with faintly smokey, nutty, dark chocolate, fruity, with a very faint hint of maple/brown sugar and sweet green (sugar cane stalks).

The texture was a blend of contrasts. Crunchy, fresh and fibrous roasted (whole) cocoa beans were surrounded by a relatively thin layer of smooth, dark chocolate.

It was hard to confirm exactly which flavors were coming from the cocoa beans vs. the chocolate. However, the two together provided a range of nuanced, authentic flavors. Those who look at cacao as a food (and not just a sugary dessert item) will likely find these pieces very satisfying. 

The chocolate coating provided a bit of sweetness, but most of the taste (and texture) seemed to be coming from the cocoa beans (technically seeds); and flavor notes included slightly savory (salt), subtle toasted maize/corn and/or toasted cereal grain, roasted nut (chestnut, almond) and wood notes, as well as fleeting loamy soil, fermented milk and fruit (very faint/barely there dried, mild pineapple, plum and citrus), followed by fleeting but distinct honey and very faint roasted coffee/chicory. 

The overall taste was refreshingly and authentically complex and un-sweet (thank you!). Extra points for being certified Organic.

Ingredients: "Organic dark chocolate (organic cocoa mass, organic cocoa nibs, organic cane sugar, organic cocoa butter, organic soy lecithin (emulsifier), organic cocoa beans."

Allergen-related information: "Contains soy. May contain milk, almond, hazelnut, pistachio."

Simon Coll Xocolaters - 99% Cacao Dark Chocolate (bar) - Aug. 14, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Simon Coll Xocolaters

99% Dark Chocolate (bar)
Good ++
Calories: 180 Calories: in 1/3 bar
Cost: $4.99 for 1 bar

Purchased at Nugget Markets, Tiburon, CA

Welcome to Day #6 of 100% Cacao and Nibs Theme Week.

Today's 99% Dark Chocolate (bar) was from Simon Coll Xocolaters (Barcelona, Spain). Yes, I realize 99% cacao is not 100%, but stick with me here. 

Aroma notes for this bar, in order of appearance: nut (peanut), sweet green (matcha green tea), light chocolate cookie, sweet and savory Japanese rice cracker and very faint malt, dark chocolate.

The texture had an even, pleasing creamy melt and mouthfeel.

And then we have the flavor. This 99% bar conjured up the singular notion of a dark, muscular jaguar, softly padding through a faintly earthy tropical forest with notes of fresh rain, red clay, and black soil. This was a tamed jaguar. Nothing scary happened (quite the contrary); but it was experienced with ultra-dark respect and a little trepidation at first, nonetheless.

The deep, dark roasted notes were well balanced, with a carefully managed bitterness and loamy earth. The even, lingering finish had balanced, roasted charcoal (with barely there steamed, sweet green leaf bundles with rice) notes. The jaguar was tracking traces of an ancient fire-breathing dragon and an invisible sugar pixie (1%). 

Made in Spain, this bar contained elements (and inspired analogies) from multiple continents. The flavor profile might be a bit roasty for some, but it will be a fun 100%-like ride for others --and enjoyed by those wanting an escape from sugar land. I enjoyed this bar.

Ingredients: "Chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, sugar. (Cocoa solids 99% minimum.) "

Cocoa mass, cocoa butter, sugar.

Allergen-related information: "May contain milk, nut and soya traces."

Ghirardelli Chocolate - 100% Cocoa Dutch Process (powder) - Aug. 13, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
100% Cocoa Dutch Process (powder)

Good - Good +
Weight: .21 oz. (6 g.) / 8 oz. (227 g.) in total package
Calories: 15 calories (estimate) in 1 Tbsp/TB serving

Cost: $6.49 for 1 package

Purchased from: Nugget Markets, Tiburon, CA 

Welcome to Day #5 of 100% Cacao and Nibs Theme Week.

Today's 100% Cocoa Dutch Process (powder) was from Ghirardelli Chocolate Company (San Leandro, CA).  

The "dutch process" generally uses an alkaline substance (higher on the pH scale) to reduce sharper, acidic flavor (lower on the pH scale). The alkali(ne) essentially neutralizes its acid opposite(s) and makes the cocoa more loveable--if you like brownies and cuddly, chocolate-y chocolate. (Many people prefer it over the less processed original or raw form.)

A small amount of cocoa powder rapidly transforms almost any item into a brownie-flavored dessert. I mixed 1 Tablespoon of today's cocoa powder into a bowl of mixed nuts (that were lightly coated in coconut oil). The powder instantly coated the nuts and turned the mixture into a rich, ebony-colored, nut brownie-flavored melange. (Success!)

Ingredients: "Cocoa - processed with alkali"

Allergen-related information: "May contain tree nuts, wheat, soy, milk and egg." 

 

Cru Chocolate - Roasted Cacao Nibs - Aug. 12, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Cru Chocolate
Roasted Cacao Nibs
Good + 
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 2.5 oz. (70.7 g.) in total package
Calories: 140 calories (estimate) in 1 oz. (14.1 g.) serving
Cost: $5.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Farm Fresh to You (add to local CSA box delivery)

Welcome to Day #4 of 100% Cacao and Nibs Theme Week.

Today's Roasted Cacao Nibs were made by Cru Chocolate (Roseville, CA).

The aroma notes wafting out of the opened pouch included fresh cacao, fresh baked chocolate brownies/dark chocolate cookies, subtle fruit (fresh banana), roasted nut, very faint green (nut, seed, floral, wood), and jaguar cacao. 

These fresh-tasting nibs had a light and crunchy texture.

Cacao nibs are versatile and I enjoyed these three ways: 1.) sprinkled on a green salad (with orange, fennel, artichoke and and goat cheese; 2.) on top of ice cream; and 3.) by themselves.

Maker's tasting notes: "Grown by small-holder family farms in Central America. Carefully fermented to achieve delicate flavors....Perfect to add into your smoothies, salads, omelets and great for baking." 

Ingredients: Roasted cacao nibs

Allergen-related information: (No information listed.)

TCHO Unsweetened Baking Chocolate 100% Cacao - Aug. 11, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

TCHO
Unsweetened Baking Chocolate 100% Cacao
Good +
Weight:  3 pieces - .53 oz. (15 g.) / 8 oz. (226 g.) in total package
Calories: 90 calories in 1 serving (3 pieces) 
Cost: $6.99 for 1 package
Purchased from: Nugget Markets, Tiburon, CA

Welcome to Day #3 of 100% Cacao and Nibs Theme Week.

Today's 100% Cacao Unsweetened Baking Chocolate (hexagon-shaped pieces) were from TCHO Ventures, Inc. (Berkeley, CA).

This chocolate (intended for baking and/or snacking) had a sweet aroma (faint shortbread cookie and graham cracker), that evolved into faint sweet green--and a few minutes later blossomed into ripe, concentrated fruit (plum, prunes and brown sugar) and dark chocolate.

The texture was thick and creamy, with a stiff nut butter mouthfeel with a luxe melt. And the bar had deep, true chocolate (unsweetened brownie, bittersweet morsels in dark chocolate chip cookies) flavor with balanced, medium acidity and bitterness. A light but lingering finish had bittersweet notes. There was a roasted flavor, but not "charcoal" (as can be the case with ultra-dark 100% chocolate).

Ingredients: Organic, Fair Trade cacao beans

Allergen-related information: "May contain traces of milk, soy, and tree nuts."

Ghirardelli - 100% Cacao Unsweetened Chocolate (bar) - Aug. 10, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
Premium Baking 100% Cacao Unsweetened Chocolate (bar)
Good +
Weight: 1 oz. (28.3 g.) / 4 oz. (113.5 g.) in total bar
Calories: 140 calories (per label) in 1/4 bar
Cost: $ missing information for 1 bar
Purchased from: missing information 

Welcome to Day #2 of 100% Cacao and Nibs Theme Week.

Today's Premium Baking 100% Cacao Unsweetened Chocolate (bar) was from Ghirardelli Chocolate Company (San Leandro, CA). 

This bar had an aroma with deep chocolate and sweet green (green tea, green floral and fleeting green floral, homemade marshmallow, green nut/seed and jaguar cacao) notes. 

The flavor was similar to the aroma, but with much more pronounced deep, roasted dark chocolate (lightly singed fudge nut brownie) notes with a dense creamy (finely ground, thick 100% nut (fire roasted almond and peanut butter) texture and mouthfeel. 

The green notes made a subtle return in the light, lingering finish as did a fleeting faint brownie note.

In a word, this bar with well-managed bitterness and acidity was substantial. 

For those who enjoy ultra-dark chocolate, this chocolate is suitable for eating as well as baking (cakes, brownies, and traditional chocolate desserts). It also could be used to make a high-end, paleo fondue with nuts and fruits, an outer coating for dark truffles, or a melted drizzle over vanilla ice cream or sweeter desserts where you're looking for a bit of lively contrast.

Ingredients: "Unsweetened chocolate."

Allergen-related information: "May contain milk, soy, and tree nuts."

Lindt - Excellence 100% Cocoa Unsweetened Chocolate (bar) - Aug. 9, 2021

Chocolate of the Day

Lindt and Sprungli

Excellence 100% Cocoa Unsweetened Chocolate (bar)

Good +

Weight: .85 oz. (25 g.) / 1.7 oz. (50 g.) in total bar

Calories: 140 calories in 1/2 bar

Cost: $1.99 for 1 bar

Purchased from: Grocery Outlet Bargain Market, Palo Alto, CA

Welcome to the first day of 100% Cacao and Nibs Theme Week, featuring chocolates with pure cacao flavor. 

Today's Unsweetened 100% Cocoa (bar) was distributed by Lindt and Sprungli (USA) Inc. (Stratham, NH).* This ultra-slim bar was packaged in a thin plastic tray (likely to help prevent breakage) and sealed in with a peel-off foil top layer.

Aroma: As with many unsweetened chocolate, the aroma of a 100% bar can be lighter/brighter/sweeter than--or simply at odds with--the taste. In this case a mindful sniff detected deep dark chocolate, subtle over-ripe fruit (prune, apricot, banana), light green (matcha green tea, green floral, fresh cut grass), fleeting caramel and marshmallow, and roasted cacao notes.

Texture: This well tempered bar had an even melt and predominantly creamy texture with some ultra-faint graininess and astringency (puckery dryness as in some red wines, persimmon and pomegranate).

Taste: Today's 100% chocolate was long on dark, deep roasted flavor with bold, well-managed bitterness and acidity. (The added cocoa powder was alkalized--a process designed to bring down sharper, acidic flavors.) 

Lindt's tasting notes read as follows: "100% reveals the strength and richness of cocoa beans. The flavour profile delivers a strong, aromatic cocoa taste complemented by a perfect balance of acidity, bitterness and fresh green notes..."

Ingredients: Chocolate, cocoa powder processed with alkali, cocoa butter

Allergen-related information: "May contain milk, soy and tree nuts."