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Not all chocolate bars are created equal, and that's perfectly fine. There's a place for rich, creamy, artisanal couverture chocolate as well as the trusty milk chocolate candy bars that are the ideal post-meal treat. But when you're seeking something premium and unique, it can be challenging to know if your expensive chocolate is genuinely top-quality and superior in taste compared to others.
Digital content creator Ethan Rode, famous for his unique coffee recipes and hacks, has revealed a method to test the quality of a chocolate bar. Rode introduced his followers to the French Hot Chocolate method. French hot chocolate, or 'Le chocolat chaud,' is a luxurious and indulgent drink that captures the rich chocolate traditions of France.
Unlike traditional hot cocoa, typically made with cocoa powder, French hot chocolate uses real chocolate and often contains a higher ratio of chocolate to milk, resulting in a richer and more decadent drink. Made with high-quality chocolate melted into hot milk, it delivers a deep, intense chocolate flavour. This beverage is served in smaller portions compared to other hot drinks and is usually garnished with fresh cream.
Rode revealed that when he needs to test out whether chocolate is good or bad, he usually makes French hot chocolate with it. “I only consider a chocolate bar good if it stands up to the test of French Hot Chocolate, which is basically a super thick hot chocolate with a bunch of fresh whipped cream,” Rode says in one of his recent videos.
Suppose your chocolate bar doesn't provide the smooth, luxurious mouthfeel and deep chocolate flavour that lingers on your palate, typical of French hot chocolate. In that case, it's likely just an ordinary chocolate bar and not a true gem. However, this isn't the only way to test the quality of chocolate. Here are a few methods to help you identify premium chocolate.
High-quality chocolate is usually smooth and free from blemishes, streaks, or white spots known as "bloom." Bloom can result from temperature fluctuations or improper storage, affecting the chocolate's texture and flavour. Quality dark chocolate should have a rich, dark colour, while milk chocolate should be lighter with a creamy appearance.
Well-crafted chocolate should feel creamy and rich, without any graininess or grittiness. When you bite into a piece, pay attention to the mouthfeel. It should be silky and luxurious, melting smoothly to coat the palate without leaving any residue.
The ‘snap’ is also a tell-tale sign. This is a common way to distinguish good chocolate from mediocre varieties. Dark chocolate should produce a sharp and clean snap when broken, indicating a high cocoa content and proper tempering. Milk chocolate may have a softer snap due to its lower cocoa content and higher fat content. Break a piece of chocolate in half and listen for the sound of the snap. A crisp snap indicates good-quality chocolate that has been well-tempered and properly processed.
