Different forms and flavors of chocolate are produced by varying the ingredients. Unsweetened chocolate is pure chocolate liquor - the ground or melted state of the nib of the cacao bean. This chocolate liquor contains roughly equal amounts of cocoa butter and cocoa solids.
Dark chocolate is produced by adding sugar to chocolate liquor. It is typically made without the addition of milk although in the United States some milk might be added. The US Government has no set definition for "dark chocolate" but it does for "sweet chocolate" which is required to have 15% chocolate liquor. In Europe a minimum of 35% chocolate liquor (the nonfat part of the cacao bean) is required.
Certain brands such as Scharffen Berger have an even higher percentage of chocolate liquor - up to 70% or more and a resultingly higher fat content - as much as 30-40%. Not to be outdone, ordinary chocolate bars found in European supermarkets may actually have a whopping 85-99% chocolate liquor.
Dark Chocolate is believed to have positive health benefits due to the favonol antioxidants derived from the ground cocoa seeds. As we've learned antioxidants may be helpful in the prevention of cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. However like everything else it should be taken in moderation - eat too much dark chocolate and you might just get fat.
But seeing how it's going to be Valentine's Day - go ahead and enjoy your chocolate. There are many recipes available for making your own We like to make ours from bittersweet chips, confectioners sugar and butter in the microwave with a generous dollop of Canadian Whiskey. It comes out creamy smooth and delicious - definitely a mood elevator and perhaps an aphrodisiac.
0 Responses to Valentine Chocolates - Dark Chocolate
There are currently no comments.