Like wine tasting, it is easy to distinguish good quality chocolate by using all your senses – sight, touch, sound, smell and taste.
Look – Enjoy the depth of colour, the sheen and gloss of the chocolate. Dark chocolate has a deep, warm colour. The lighter the cocoa, the finer the flavour
Touch – Feel the smooth texture of the chocolate. Quality chocolate should begin to melt within one minute when held in your hand.
Listen – Breaking fine chocolate gives a satisfying snap. The structure of milk and white chocolate gives a more muffled sound, while darker chocolate sounds like a breaking twig.
Smell – Close your eyes and gently smell the chocolate. Good quality chocolate has a wonderful aroma with just a touch of natural vanilla.
Taste – Place a small piece of chocolate on your tongue and allow it to melt of its own accord. Recognise the texture and complexity, noting the different waves of flavour emerging.
