Belgian Chocolate Guide: A Journey through Chocolate Heaven
Belgium is a haven for chocolate lovers. Renowned for its quality and diversity, Belgian chocolate is a culinary delight that’s deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. This guide takes you on a delicious journey through Belgium’s chocolate heaven.
1. History of Belgian Chocolate
Belgian chocolate-making dates back to the 17th century when the country was under Spanish occupation. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that Belgium started gaining recognition for its distinct and superior chocolate. Today, Belgian chocolate is considered among the best in the world.
2. What Makes Belgian Chocolate Unique
Belgian chocolate is all about quality and tradition. It is unique because of the high-quality ingredients, including a high percentage of cocoa and no use of palm oil. Moreover, Belgian chocolatiers adhere to traditional manufacturing methods, often passed down through generations.
3. Types of Belgian Chocolate
There are three main types of Belgian chocolate: dark, milk, and white. Dark chocolate has a high percentage of cocoa, milk chocolate includes milk or milk powder, and white chocolate is made with cocoa butter, sugar, and milk but no cocoa solids.
4. Pralines: Belgium’s Chocolate Jewel
The Belgian praline is a chocolate casing filled with a soft center, often a ganache, cream, or nut paste. Invented in 1912 by Jean Neuhaus, a Swiss living in Brussels, pralines have become a signature Belgian delicacy.
5. Famous Belgian Chocolatiers
Belgium is home to some of the world’s finest chocolatiers, including Neuhaus, Godiva, and Leonidas, among others. These shops offer an array of chocolates and pralines to cater to all tastes.
6. Belgian Chocolate Tours
Many Belgian cities, including Brussels and Bruges, offer chocolate tours where you can visit chocolatiers, watch the chocolate-making process, and of course, enjoy plenty of tastings!
Belgian chocolate is more than a sweet treat; it’s a symbol of Belgian craftsmanship and tradition. Embark on this chocolate journey, and your taste buds will thank you! And if you’re planning to visit Belgium, don’t forget to check out our Brussels Travel Guide.
