What is a cocoa bean? The cocoa bean is the “fruit” of the cocoa tree. Cocoa powder and cocoa butter are extracted from this bean through a very complex process. Cocoa powder and cocoa butter, complemented with sugar (and milk) are the ONLY ingredients of pure Belgian chocolate.
What is dark chocolate? Dark chocolate contains no less than 45% cocoa powder and a maximum of 55% sugar.
What is milk chocolate? Milk chocolate contains no less than 25% cocoa powder, maximum 55% sugar and is complemented with milk.
What is white chocolate? White chocolate contains no less than 20% cocoa butter and is complemented with sugar and milk.
What is a Chocolate Truffle? “Truffle” is a generic term covering a wide variety of plain or fancy chocolate pieces including:
- the French “Truffe” or old fashioned truffle: a velvety blend of pure chocolate and butter
- the “Manon”: flavoured fresh cream in a pure chocolate shell
- the “Ganache”: a delicate blend of pure chocolate and fresh cream in a pure chocolate shell
- the Belgian “Praline”: a creamy blend of finely grounded roasted nuts, chocolate and sugar in a pure chocolate shell
Truffles are usually flavoured with coffee, tea, vanilla, natural fruit extracts or fine liqueurs.
