Brussels is an alternative to Paris and the chocolate actually comes from Belgium
BRUSSELS: Many agree that chocolate is one of the best foods in the world, as it is creamy, decadent, and full of rich flavor. There are several variations on these delicious treats, with one of the most popular being Belgian chocolate. Let´s have a look at Belgian chocolate and find out what makes it different from the other types of chocolate.
Taste of Belgium: FOOD-LOVERS DREAM
If you’re a chocolate aficionado, you’ve likely eaten Belgian chocolate before and know about its rich, dark delicious flavor.
Belgium first got its start with chocolate in 1635. It was under Spanish control shortly after the chocolate had been brought back to Europe from Mesoamerica, a historical region in North America. By the middle of the 18th century, chocolate had become very popular among the middle and upper-class residents of Belgium.
The Chocolate Law
In 1894, Belgium created a law to prevent changes in the chocolate by using low-quality fat sources. The law, which still stands, states that all chocolate must be at least 35% pure cocoa, higher than most other chocolates. This allows Belgian chocolate to maintain quality consistency, to ensure only the best chocolate is produced.
In 2007, the Belgian Chocolate Code was established, stating that the Chocolate must actually come from Belgium. The refining, mixing, and conching of Belgian chocolate must actually be done in Belgium to be considered authentic.
Belgian chocolate is also known for its fine structure, as it has a structure of just 15 to 18 microns. It also contains 100% cocoa butter, which helps give it a rich buttery taste that is not too sweet. High-quality beans are always used by chocolatiers for the best eating experience.
Belgian vs Swiss Chocolate
The chocolate is often compared to its counterpart, Swiss chocolate. Swiss chocolate, which can also be commonly called milk chocolate, is known for a creamy, sweet, and smooth consistency. Belgian chocolate, on the other hand, has a slightly more rich and bitter flavor like dark chocolate and typically has a higher cocoa content.
Chocolate is also known for being very diverse. There are many different flavor combinations that range anywhere from classic praline to more exotic and bold truffles, which are not as commonly seen in other types of chocolate like Swiss. The variety of unique different flavors creates the ultimate chocolate experience.
Museums and tasting tours
Belgium takes its chocolate seriously and is even home to the largest chocolate factory in the world. Throughout the country, there are museums, tasting tours, and even workshops where people can make their own chocolate. There are even chocolate academies where chefs can learn to make delectable chocolate and many chocolate brands. No history of chocolate can be written without including this country.
A One-of-a-Kind Treat
Thanks to the many requirements that must be taken to make chocolate, it is truly an amazing treat. Made with only the best cocoa beans and 100% cocoa butter, it has a taste like no other. It is also one of the most versatile chocolates, as there are many different flavor combinations you can enjoy.
Weekend and chocolate
The Europeans say the best of Brussels is not the bureaucrats and the EU, but the food, beer and the chocolate. Our advice for a weekend break; Brussels is a thrilling alternative to Paris. Belgian cooking can be as good as French. The Belgian chocolate actually comes from Belgium and luck is the best strategy on a bar crawl in Brussels.
And remember to tell your waiters that “the service is much better than in Paris”. It’s a simple trick that works all the time – and it’s for free.
Text by cakedecorist Karen Rutherford, founder and editor in chief at Cakedecorist.
Week-end break: Brussels is alternative to Paris
