Quality

Quality versus economical products has always been a constant debate for us cooks, however, instead of going into this point, I would rather write about everyone’s favorite ingredient (well almost everyone) – Chocolate . And who else do we actually think of when we start to speak chocolate ? (besides thinking of Willy Wonka – in Bernies case it’s thinking of Jhonny Depp playing the role of Wonka … hahaaa). To be honest we all think Cadbury Chocolates. And giving it credit in it’s own right, it really does a nice bar to get you through a movie (o0ps ! … spilled the beans on myself ..hahaa). But let us stop awhile to think quality, not mixing up quality with labels (where most people makes the mistake of), ok lets see …

If I were to think of a quality bag, I would think Gucci (ohh yeah ….love em).

If I were t think of a quality pen, I would think Mont Blanc (self indulgent but ohhh so yes!)

If I were to think of a quality computer, I would think the Apple Mac (no objections there !)

If I were to think of a quality pair of leather shoes, I would think Dr. Martens (find another pair of comfortable leather shoes, I dare you!)

Now yes, these few examples mentioned are rather up the pyramid when it comes to prices, but not forgetting there are those other big labels costing just as much (or even more). However, these labels not only are reputable by name but quality as well. So in this case ………

If I were to think of a quality chocolate, I would think ….

Manufactured in the small of Tain L’Hermitage in Hermitage in Lyon the Valrhona French chocolate company was founded in 1922 by the French pastry chef, Mr Guironnet. With five subsidiaries and 60 local distributors across the globe, the company also maintains the École du Grand Chocolat, a school for professional chefs with a focus on chocolate-based dishes and pastries.

Valrhona focuses mainly on high-grade luxury chocolate marketed for the professional cook as well as for domestic enjoyment. It’s products ranges from chocolate confectionery, plain and flavored chocolate bars to bulk chocolate in bars or pellets. Valrhona produces vintage chocolate made from beans of a single year’s harvest from a specific plantation, primarily the Grand Crus which is grown in South America, the Oceania and the Caribbean. Currently three brands of vintage chocolates – Ampamakia, Gran Couva and Palmira – are in production with plantations on Madagascar, Trinidad and in Venezuela respectively.

As seen in the photo, the Grand Crus de Chocolat from Valrhona offers a wide range of taste sensations. From Acidulated fruitiness of Manjari to the tannic bitterness of Abinao. Here is the basic flavour profile of the Grand Crus de Chocolat. (this was a goodie bag from the recent chocolate dinner during the 2010 World Gourmet Summit)

Manjari 64% – Fresh & Tangy

TaÏbori 64% – Fruity & Intense

CaraÏbe 66% – Balanced & Velvety

Guanaja 70% – Bittersweet & Elegent

Alpaco 66% – Floral & Oaky

Abinao 85% – Powerful and Tannic

Although without a doubt it will cost more, however sometimes it is not always about the cost of things but rather the experience.And that is where quality comes in.

Hope you enjoyed the post ! Happy Fooding!!!