They say nothing makes a great gift as chocolates. So, how do you recognise a good chocolate? Well, to begin with a good chocolate should be more than just taste. It should be a blend of lot of things. It should make a crunching sound when broken, and should smell heaven. And of course, taste wise it should stand apart. So, if you want to begin your experiment, then definitely start by tasting different variants and lots of chocolates. A great chocolate is not a single way out, but a multitude of steps. Right from production, grinding, conching, tempering to processing, it is a whole lot of process.
It has to be balance of textures and different flavours. Also, chocolate is available in different variants. Dark and milky chocolate are more popular. Dark chocolate has more cocoa than milky ones. Dark chocolate is also more beneficial than milky chocolates on several counts. Dark chocolates are rich in flavonoids which help in reducing stress. They make the person more agile mentally. Dark chocolates are rich in magnesium, potassium, iron etc. Dark chocolates are health wise beneficial than milky chocolates as they provide more energy. Dark chocolates give more energy contrary to the belief that milky chocolates are rich in calories.
So, how do you recognise a good chocolate when you see one? Chocolate quality to a great extent depends on the raw ingredients taken. High quality chocolate has sheen, is smooth, and does not contain lumps, specs or bubbles. It melts in the mouth. It does not have a greasy coating, and is not sticky. For, cakes and desserts, a chocolate which has high cocoa content is advised.
Hazelnut chocolates are one of the best. Godiva dark chocolate has all the qualities of a good dark chocolate.