11 Days : The New Taste of Organic Chocolate :: Exquisite

11 Days : The New Taste of Organic Chocolate
December 14, 2005

For too long organic chocolate has been perceived as the bastard child of gourmet indulgence. Often criticized for its inferior taste and texture, sales have relied heavily on cause marketing rather than communicating quality and luxury. Now, thanks to confectioners seeking out chocolate sourced on the merit of its fine quality and not just organic certification, this perception is rapidly changing.

Domori, known for creating high quality European chocolates, recently introduced a new line called "Chacao Organic" offering 70%, 90% and 100% bars. While I have not yet tasted these new additions, reviews enthusiastically suggest Domori has created a line on par with its already highly respected offerings.

Viva Terra has put together a nicely packaged Organic Chocolate Tasting Set for this holiday season. Currently on sale at $29 it offers a wonderful opportunity to sample a variety of Dagoba's popular bars.

Tasting pure bars at 70% and above allows you to experience the quality and nuance of the chocolate but if you are like me and prefer to experience organic chocolate at its sensual height there is no other way to go than fine truffles or bonbons. With gorgeous titles like "Bachanal" and "Tango Nostalgico" Cocoa Vino creates fair trade organic chocolates infused with wine and spirits like malbec, sambuca and eaux de vie. Holding top honors on my Christmas wish list are their Drunken Figs. Described as "figs gone wild" they are beautifully packaged in a tin with four chocolate covered organic figs filled with vintage port and creamy organic dark chocolate. Sounds absolutely sublime.

Intemperantia, Latin for self-indulgence, has also entered the foray with a selection of traditional swiss style truffles. Made without artificial ingredients, colors, or flavorings they use 100% organic chocolate and come in an exquisite selection of gift packages.

By no means a complete guide these are a few gift ideas from the growing number of fine organic chocolatiers. What are your favorites?

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comments on this entry

ooh, I'm going to link to your post as I sample organic chocolates in the countdown to v-day...hard work!

Posted by: elsamary | February 3, 2006 11:30 AM

Wonderful! You may also want to take a peek at the Gourmet section of "Kristen Recomends" there are a few chocolate selections tucked away in there. Let me know if you come up with anything new, or even what your favorites are!

Posted by: Kristen Andersen | February 3, 2006 07:55 PM