Tasting Guide
Tasting is a special art and one to enjoy in the company of others. Green & Black's range of chocolates, from White to Dark 85%, offers the perfect opportunity for hosting a chocolate tasting party. It's a great way to have your guests experience the different aromas, textures and flavors this very special chocolate has to offer. Here are a few suggestions on how to heighten your sensorial chocolate tasting experience...
In preparation…
- Ensure your chocolate is at room temperature.
- Limit yourself to around six different chocolate varieties. Allow roughly two squares per person. Any more will give you tasting fatigue.
- Start with the lightest variety (White) and finish with the darkest (Dark 85%)
As you taste…
- Observe the appearance of the chocolate as chocolates vary in color. Like wine, intensity of color does not necessarily indicate intensity of flavor.
- Smell the chocolate. Take a small piece and let it melt between your thumb and forefinger. It is only then that you experience the aromas that we usually describe as flavors.
- Taste the chocolate. Put the first piece in your mouth and pinch your nose. Pinching your nose lets your tongue and mouth truly experience the chocolate. The tastes your tongue can detect are salt, sweet, sour, bitter, savory; and the sensations and textures your mouth can detect include astringency and the cooling effect of the cocoa butter.
- Release your nose. Continue to allow the chocolate to melt slowly on the tongue. Be aware of all the tastes, how the chocolate feels in your mouth, its texture (smooth, gritty, fatty) and how the aromas/flavors develop and change in the mouth/nose as time passes.
- Give your guests water between samples to cleanse the palette.
We're all unique, so your tasting experience will be uniquely your own. Have fun comparing and contrasting your discoveries with others.
