Belgian Chocolate has a unique velvety magic, doesn’t it? That exquisite smoothness, the undeniable rich aroma, as it melts perfectly on your tongue. Have you ever wondered why Belgian chocolates are so popular in dessert culture worldwide?
Here at Taste of Belgian, we celebrate this old-traditional culture by crafting desserts that celebrate Belgian’s high velvety mastery. Whether you are a chocoholic or someone with a sweet tooth, you are bound to find something to enjoy. So, grab a coffee or perhaps a Belgian beer and learn about Belgian chocolate.
The Origins of Belgian Chocolate
Cocoa beans, originally cultivated by the Mesoamericans, made their way to Belgium through the port of Antwerp in the 17th century. Initially, it was served as a luxury drink for the royal members of the European royal court.
In the 19th century, the Belgian chocolatiers truly began to flourish. They not only made the chocolate but perfected it. In 1912, the praline was discovered by the most renowned contributor to this chocolate-making, Jean Neuhaus. These chocolate-bite-filled treats changed the history of the chocolate business for a long period; moreover, it put Belgian chocolate on the map as the best player in the business of chocolates.
From Bean to Bar: The Chocolate-Making Process
Have you ever wondered how the bitter and unpredictable beans from the tropical rainforest of Africa transform into this silky-smooth velvety Belgian chocolate we all love? Well, all thanks to Belgian chocolatiers who take every step consciously to bring the best out of it.
Step 1: Sourcing the Finest Cacao Beans
The first thing that happens is selecting the best quality cocoa beans imported from the tropical rainforest of Africa, Pacific islands, and Asia for making chocolates, ensuring ethical sourcing and high-quality beans.
Step 2: Fermentation & Drying
After harvesting, the cocoa beans are naturally fermented and dried, allowing their complex flavors to develop. This is where the complex aroma of beans starts to evolve.
Step 3: Roasting & Grinding
After fermentation, the beans become rich brown. The next step is roasting, where the cocoa beans are carefully heated by a machine called “winnower cracks” for a few more days to bring out the signature aroma of chocolate.
After roasting, the beans are mashed into a paste, where the unique magic seems to be happening. The chocolate paste is then accelerated for a few more hours to achieve that melt-in-mouth texture.
Step 4: Conching & Tempering
Finally, the chocolate is tempered, giving that shiny & glossy look. It does take some time to do the whole process, to achieve that ‘melt-in-mouth’ chocolatey consistency.
Want to dissolve into this velvety process of madness?
Belgian Chocolate in Traditional Dessert
The beauty of Belgian chocolate is that it’s not merely a detectable indulgence for its own sake; it’s the crowning achievement of many desserts. Whether it comes to rich chocolate mousses to smooth rich torte or beyond. Belgian chocolate always elevates every dessert to the next level. It’s all about the high-quality cocoa content and velvety creamy texture that only Belgian chocolate can add. The magic lies in the meticulous manufacturing process.
In comparison with other countries, Belgian chocolate is designated as the purest. Almost all Belgian Chocolatiers don’t add any kind of artificial additives, which gives you the flavor of real cocoa beans in the desserts, letting the natural taste of the beans shine through.
Must-Try Belgian Chocolate Desserts at Taste of Belgium
At Taste of Belgium, we celebrate this curated tradition and have taken the art of Belgian chocolate by creating our menu with the most delicious options. Here are some desserts that you don’t want to skip!
- Chocolate Torte: Several layers of chocolate cake, a luscious mousse, and a decadent ganache, all come together for the ultimate indulgent bite. That’s how a chocolate lover’s dream comes true.
- S’more Crêpe: Our delicate crêpe folded around rich chocolate and fluffy marshmallow, delivering all the nostalgic s’mores flavor in a refined, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Macarons: Macarons are meringue-based sandwich cookies made up of egg whites, icing sugar, and granulated sugar. We offer a light yet decadent chocolate experience with a delicate creamy filling of Belgian chocolate ganache inside.
Get all these delicious desserts from our stores across Cincinnati including The Banks, Rookwood, Over The Rhine, and Findlay Market. We are happy to serve you!
The Perfect Pairing: Chocolate and Belgian Beer
Did you know that Belgian chocolate & Belgian beer together are like peanut butter & jelly? Not to mention how the incredible flavors in Belgian beer’s juicy, fruity, malty notes, complement the rich taste of Belgian chocolate incredibly. At the Taste of Belgium, we love to combine the taste of Belgian dessert with Belgian beers, which creates a harmonious blend of perfect flavors.
For example, in dark chocolate & stout, the flavor of rich, roasted notes of stout enhances the bitterness of dark chocolate, while fruity lambic, with a tangy cherry-like undertone, brings out the sweetness in milk chocolate. And if you want to taste something adventurous, try our beer-infused chocolate desserts or a flourless cake infused with the creamy smooth texture of a dubbel.
Having some high-quality Belgium chocolate and dishes for your next family gathering or corporate event will improve the quality of the dining experience. Belgium cuisine is also a sure crowd-pleaser and a much-needed break from the regular fast-foods.
Why Belgian Chocolate is the Ultimate Indulgence
Honestly, there is no other chocolate like our Belgian chocolate. It’s not just a snack or a dessert after your dinner – it’s an experience. The moment you put a bite of Belgian chocolate in your mouth, as it touches your tongue, you feel its velvety texture, its smoothness melts in your mouth and the depth of bold tastes explodes.
Belgian chocolate isn’t just your guilty pleasure, but a reason for mental peace. And want to know a secret? This guilty pleasure comes with loads of health benefits! Pure quality dark chocolate has a high rate of cocoa, which is filled with unique antioxidants like flavonoids, which have a deep relation with our heart health, for better blood circulation, and even reduce our stress by releasing the happy hormone in our blood. So, be happy and have some Belgian chocolate, as you’re not just treating your taste buds but also nourishing your body.
But why keep this secret to yourself? Belgium has a rich history of customs where your beloved chocolates play a big role in gifting traditions. Events like the “Salon du Chocolat” and the “Choco-Laté Festival in Bruges” attract chocoholics from all over the world presenting them with the festivity of celebrating chocolate as an art form. You don’t want to miss it!
So, when are you planning your next trip to Belgium? We suggest visiting The Taste of Belgium for an awesome mix of traditions and authenticity this spring season!
Did You Try Our Belgian Chocolate?
The art of Belgian chocolate is more than a treat or snack for Belgium, it’s a unique magical experience crafted by the traditional chocolatiers. Today, Belgium is the home of 2,000 traditional chocolatiers crafting everything from luxurious chocolate bars to Morchella truffles, and annually 720,000 tons of chocolate are produced. Every bite tells a story of art, tradition, and crafts of the richness of Belgian chocolate.
At Taste of Belgium, we celebrate the old tradition and bring this art of dark chocolate right to your table. Our menu includes innovative Belgian desserts crafted with deep love and dedication, which makes our dishes a tribute to the oldest traditional Belgian chocolate’s legacy.
So, why not treat yourself to some chocolate paradise? Explore our menu today and order some for you and your loved ones.
