Chocolate is one of the most beloved treats around the world. But have you ever wondered how chocolate is made? The process of making chocolate from scratch is called bean-to-bar chocolate. Here, we’ll explore the steps involved in this process and why it’s worth it to eat.
Step 1: Sourcing High-Quality Cacao Beans
The first step in making bean-to-bar chocolate is sourcing high-quality cacao beans. These beans are typically grown in tropical regions like Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. We source our cacao beans from Guatemala and carefully select them by working directly with farmers. We make sure to link our customers to the beginning of the supply chain, starting from the farmers and the cacao tree.
Step 2: Sorting and Roasting the Beans
Once we source the beans, they leave the farm and are sorted to remove any debris or defective beans. Then, the beans are carefully roasted to bring out their unique flavors. Each bean will have a particular attribute to it, and this step is critical as it helps to develop the chocolate’s taste profile.
Step 3: Grinding and Conching the Chocolate
After roasting, the beans are ground into a paste called chocolate liquor. This paste is then conched, which involves heating and stirring the chocolate to smooth out the texture and remove any unwanted flavors. Depending on the desired outcome, this step can take anywhere from a few hours to several days.
Step 4: Tempering and Molding the Chocolate
The final step is tempering and molding the chocolate. Tempering involves heating and cooling the chocolate to create a stable crystal structure, which gives the chocolate its shine and snap. Then, the chocolate is molded into bars or other shapes and left to cool and harden.
Why Bean-to-Bar Chocolate is Worth It
Now that we’ve covered the process of making bean-to-bar chocolate, let’s talk about why it’s worth eating. First and foremost, bean-to-bar chocolate is made with high-quality, ethically sourced cacao beans. In our case, we ensure the farmers who grow the beans and work with us are paid fairly, and the chocolate makers are committed to sustainability and quality.
Additionally, bean-to-bar chocolate has a unique flavor profile that can’t be found in mass-produced chocolate. Because the chocolate is made from scratch, we control the entire process, allowing us to create a unique product.
Finally, eating bean-to-bar chocolate is an experience. When you bite into a piece of high-quality chocolate, you’re not just tasting a sweet treat – you’re tasting the hard work and dedication of creating it.
Bean-to-bar chocolate is a labor of love that results in a delicious and memorable product. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or just curious about the process, trying bean-to-bar chocolate is worth it.