How to Taste Chocolate

by Cindi Sutter, Founder & Editor  - from the team at Chocolate Bonavita! Our curators have received the certificate for expert chocolate taster issued by La Compagnia del Cioccolato, Italian premier organization of consumers of artisan chocolates.

To begin, clear your palate, quiet your mind, and warm your chocolate to room temperature. Enjoying chocolate should involve exploration, learning, and all of your senses.

SMELL is 90% of taste. Close your eyes inhale and let your brain make associations.

LOOK at the consistency of the chocolate’s color. The chocolate should be shiny and rich in color.

LISTENING to your chocolate is more important than you might think. Look for a clean, bright, snapping sound.

TEXTURE is essential. How does the melting chocolate feel in your moth? Waxy? Smooth?

TASTE is of utmost importance. Look for a balanced variety of flavor notes (fruity, nutty, floral, tobacco, citrus, etc.). The longer the aftertaste, the better the chocolate.

Remember: Every palate is different, and there are no right or wrong answers in a tasting. Discover your chocolate!

WHAT WE DO - if you want to take your chocolate experiences down new roads.

RESEARCH FINE CHOCOLATES - Explore constantly evolving, exquisite chocolate collections, many are available online.

Take Classes - Get an in-depth look into the world of chocolate.

Tastings - Wine and chocolate tastings bring your experience to a new level.

EVENTS - Discover private and corporate events that help spread some chocolate joy!

BONA VITA = THE GOOD LIFE

"A better life for all through the enjoyment of the most superbly crafted and ethically produced chocolate in the world.”

Chocolate BonaVita educates, informs, and provides access to the best chocolate on this planet to celebrate the pleasures of the palate and give back to the rainforest.