From Bean to Bar: The Somerset Chocolate Story
At Somerset Chocolate, we believe that great chocolate begins with respect—for the land, the farmers, and the craft itself. Our artisan chocolates are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of the cacao bean’s incredible journey from farm to table.
1. The Journey Begins: Sourcing the Finest Cacao Beans
Our chocolate story begins with the selection of premium cacao beans. We partner with sustainable farms across the globe, where cacao is grown under the canopy of tropical forests. These beans are the heart and soul of our chocolate, and their quality is paramount. The beans are carefully harvested by hand, ensuring that only the ripest pods are selected. After harvesting, the beans undergo fermentation—a critical step that develops the complex flavours unique to each bean variety.
2. Roasting: Unlocking the Flavour
The next step is roasting. Roasting is both an art and a science, requiring precise control of temperature and time to unlock the rich flavours hidden within the beans. The beans are roasted in small batches to ensure consistency and quality. The heat transforms the beans, bringing out deep, nuanced flavours that will eventually define the character of our chocolate.
3. Cracking and Winnowing: Separating the Nibs
After roasting, the beans are cracked open to reveal the nibs—the essence of chocolate. These nibs are separated from the husks in a process known as winnowing. Traditional methods are combined with modern technology to ensure that the nibs are perfectly separated, leaving behind any unwanted husk material. This step is crucial, as pure nibs are essential for producing chocolate with a smooth, refined taste.
4. Grinding and Conching: Refining the Texture
The next stage involves grinding the nibs into a thick paste called cocoa mass. This is where the magic really starts to happen. The cocoa mass is then conched—a process that involves continuous mixing and aerating to refine the texture and develop the flavour. This slow, deliberate method ensures that the chocolate is smooth and velvety, with a perfectly balanced taste.
5. Tempering: Achieving the Perfect Snap
Tempering is one of the final steps in chocolate making, and it’s key to creating chocolate that has the perfect snap and glossy finish. During tempering, the chocolate is carefully cooled and heated to specific temperatures, allowing the cocoa butter to crystallize in a stable form. This process is what gives our chocolate its characteristic shine and crisp texture. Tempering is an art that requires skill and precision, and at Somerset Chocolate Company, we temper each batch to perfection.
6. Crafting and Packaging: Ready for You to Enjoy
Finally, the tempered chocolate is poured to create our bars, truffles, and other confections. The chocolate is then cooled and set before being carefully packaged. Each piece of Somerset Chocolate is hand-wrapped with care, ready to be enjoyed by you or shared with someone special.
The Somerset Difference
At Somerset Chocolate Company, our commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in every bite. From the careful selection of cacao beans to the final packaging, we are dedicated to creating chocolate that is not only delicious but also ethically produced and sustainably sourced.
We believe that great chocolate is the result of passion, skill, and respect for tradition. That’s why we take the time to do things right, ensuring that every bar of Somerset Chocolate is a true work of art. We invite you to taste the difference for yourself and discover the rich, complex flavours that make our chocolate stand out from the rest.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the art of chocolate making. We hope that the next time you indulge in a piece of Somerset Chocolate, you’ll savour it just a little bit more, knowing the care and craftsmanship that went into creating it.