THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHOCOLATES
Dark, white, blond, milk, filled and much more, the types of chocolate never cease to surprise us! Whether at the time of their manufacture or in their composition, there are many ways to make chocolate. Discover the different types of chocolate!
CHOCOLATE: A MYRIAD OF SWEETNESS
Everyone loves chocolate ! And there are so many different types that it is almost certain that you have at least one (if not all) favorite type of chocolate. They are often found in the form of bars, candies or confectionery. These little treats have been with us since we were little, with milk versions. Then, as our palate becomes more refined, we appreciate more and more the intense flavors of dark chocolate. Here are the different types of chocolate and their characteristics!
DARK CHOCOLATE, INTENSE AND STRONG
How can we talk about chocolate without starting with the undisputed king? Dark chocolate ! Chocolate has a regulated designation. That is to say, chocolate must have a minimum percentage of cocoa beans (35%) to be called chocolate. As for dark chocolate, it must have a cocoa content of at least 43% in order to be considered dark chocolate. In addition, it must also contain at least 26% cocoa butter and 14% defatted dry cocoa. To this, it is possible to add sugar or flavorings to obtain different dark chocolates that are more or less intense or bitter . If to be considered dark chocolate, chocolate must have a minimum percentage, this does not prevent master chocolatiers from being creative and creating innovative dark chocolates by adding other ingredients such as candied or dried fruits, for example.
MILK CHOCOLATE, SWEET AND TASTY
If we have to name a favorite type of chocolate in France, it must undoubtedly be milk chocolate . What is the difference with dark chocolate? The first notable difference between milk chocolate and dark chocolate is the taste . Milk chocolate is sweeter and much less bitter than dark chocolate , which makes it very popular with children, but also with big gourmands. Milk chocolate is therefore made up of at least 25% defatted dry cocoa, as well as 25% fats including cocoa butter and milk and 14% milk powder. It is thanks to this mixture that it has such a sweet and creamy taste .
WHITE CHOCOLATE, A ESSENTIAL FOR PASTRY
Often less appreciated, white chocolate actually appears to be a more neutral chocolate . It does not contain dry cocoa unlike other types of chocolate, which explains its white color . White chocolate is still a chocolate since it must contain at least 20% cocoa butter and 14% dairy products. Its neutral taste makes it ideal for baking and goes wonderfully well with red fruits, lemon, vanilla or coconut, for example.
BLOND CHOCOLATE, OR DULCEY CHOCOLATE
Chocolate born from an oversight, blond chocolate , also called “Dulcey” chocolate because of its golden color, was created by a pastry chef named Frédéric Bau. The story goes that he forgot to turn off the heat after melting white chocolate in a bain-marie. The chocolate was left to cook for 15 hours. Since this discovery, the recipe has been refined. To make Dulcey chocolate, the master chocolatier gently mixes cocoa beans with sugar and milk and cooks it all at a temperature between 93°C and 135°C.
FILLED CHOCOLATE, GOURMET AND DELICIOUS
Filled chocolate is a bit of a different kind of chocolate in that it is made from different types of chocolate, either dark, white or milk. Filled chocolate is a type of chocolate whose exterior is made with chocolate. This external part can be made with any type of chocolate. Chocolate must represent at least 25% of the total weight of the product to be called filled chocolate. As for the filling, you are spoiled for choice! Ganache, liqueur, candied fruits, dried fruits, almond paste, etc.
TYPES OF CHOCOLATES FOR ALL GOURMETS!
As you will have understood, there are many different types of chocolate , each with its own specificities and intensity. To enjoy the powerful and intense taste of raw chocolate, you can opt for dark chocolate . If the bitterness of dark chocolate does not suit you, then you can turn to milk chocolate. If you want something gourmet but more neutral , then white chocolate will be your ally. And for the most gourmet, you can explore chocolate blends , such as filled chocolates, but also chocolates made with praline , for example.
Master chocolatiers are always doubling their creativity to create extraordinary recipes and chocolate blends, with unforgettable flavors . What are you waiting for to try them all?
