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What’s Unique about Belgian Chocolate?

August 11, 2010

Chocolates are one of the best desserts in the world. There are different types of chocolates, but it is certain that the best type of chocolate is the Belgian chocolate. Chocolate comes in so many shapes and sizes, everyday candy,  those found in coffee shops and then there is Belgian chocolate. “Belgian chocolate is actually considered to be the gourmet standard by which all other chocolate confections are measured” (wisegeek.com). Belgian chocolates have been in production for many years. Yet, they are still unbeaten by other chocolates when it comes to taste. Basic recipes from French and Belgian chocolatiers are even imported by the Swiss, who are known for their own high quality chocolate.  There is a certain characteristic of Belgian chocolate that keeps you wanting more. Just the sight of Belgian chocolates is enough to make a person yearn for a bite. The texture and richness of the ingredients used in Belgian chocolates
do not compare to any other chocolate. It is more velvety compared to other chocolates. So what is unique about Belgian Chocolate?

The quality of ingredients is what makes Belgian chocolate unique. One of the factors that makes a Belgian chocolate so special is the ingredients used in making the chocolates. The recipe for Belgian chocolate has been around for many years, and other chocolate companies try to copy this recipe to no avail.

The Production Process An almost “fanatical adherence to Old World manufacturing techniques.” Most Belgian chocolate is still made by hand in small shops using the original equipment. These outlets are much like wineries, they attract tourists visiting Belgium and include tours, tastings and souvenirs.
Couverture Belgian chocolate itself has been popular since the 18th century, but a new process created by Jean Neuhaus in 1912 increased its popularity ten-fold. In 1912 a special version of chocolate was used called “couverture” as a cold shell for what is called ‘pralines’. These pralines are not the same as the sugary treats offered in American candy shops. Belgian chocolate pralines could be filled with many flavored nougats or creams like coffee, hazelnut, fruit or chocolate, making it very difficult for other chocolatiers to duplicate.
Storage One advantage Belgian chocolate has over other chocolate is the storage of couverture before use. When chocolate is made, the cocoa beans are ground and mixed with sugar and cocoa butter and then smoothed out through tempering (careful addition of heat). While most chocolate companies receive their chocolate in solid form, requiring them to reheat it before use, Belgian chocolate companies often receive their couverture in heated tanker trucks soon after the tempering process. By not letting the chocolate cool, it retains much more of the aroma than the cooled varieties.
These are some of the reasons why Belgian chocolates, such as Leonidas Chocolates, are still the top choice for gourmet chocolates. Belgian chocolates have been around for many years but are still living up to their reputation as being the best handmade chocolates in the world. Although Belgian chocolate may be seen expensive, those who have sampled it say that there is no comparison between a standard chocolate bar and a Belgian praline. With its high reputation for quality, Leonidas Belgian chocolate makes a great gift or indulgence.


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