The Health Benefits of Boxed Dark Chocolates
Dark chocolate has been gaining popularity in recent years as more research unveils its many health benefits. While chocolate is often seen as an indulgent treat, quality dark chocolate in moderation can actually be quite nutritious. Boxed assortments of dark chocolate make it easy to enjoy a little bit each day or gift to others.
Rich in Antioxidants
One of the biggest benefits of dark chocolate is its high antioxidant content. Cocoa is abundant in compounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, and catechins that have strong antioxidant properties to help neutralize free radicals and protect cells from damage.
May Boost Heart Health
Studies suggest the antioxidants in dark chocolate can improve cardiovascular health. Dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and make blood platelets less sticky to reduce clotting and risk of heart attack.
Contains Prebiotic Fiber
The cocoa beans used to make dark chocolate are an excellent source of prebiotic fiber that feeds the good bacteria in your gut. This promotes better gut health and digestion.
Provides Essential Minerals
Dark chocolate delivers a number of minerals like iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, and potassium. Getting enough of these minerals is important for energy, brain function, hemoglobin, bone health, and more.
May Help Control Blood Sugar
Though chocolate has a bit of natural sugar, the cacao in dark chocolate helps moderate blood sugar spikes thanks to its zero glycemic index. The antioxidants may also provide anti-diabetic effects.
How Dark Chocolate is Made
All chocolate starts from cacao beans inside the fruit pod of the Theobroma cacao tree. To make dark chocolate, the beans are fermented, dried, and roasted.
The outer husk is removed leaving the cacao nib, which contains 54% cocoa butter. The nibs are ground into cocoa mass, also known as chocolate liquor. The liquor is refined into cocoa solids and cocoa butter.
Cocoa solids give dark chocolate its rich flavor and color. Sugar, extra cocoa butter, flavors like vanilla are added to the chocolate liquor to make dark chocolate.
Selection of Cocoa Beans
High quality dark chocolate begins with careful selection of cacao bean varieties. Beans may be selected based on the desired flavor profile and complexity.
Fermenting
After harvesting, cacao beans are fermented for 4-7 days. Yeasts and bacteria help develop flavor precursors and alter the chemical nature of the beans.
Drying and Roasting
Fermented beans are dried slowly to 50% moisture then roasted. Roasting helps develop the signature chocolate taste and aroma compounds.
Winnowing
The roasted cacao nibs are removed from their shells through winnowing. The remaining nib contains 54% cocoa butter.
Grinding
The cocoa nibs are ground down into a thick chocolate liquor. More cocoa butter is sometimes added to smooth the texture.
Blending and Conching
Sugar, extra cocoa butter, lecithin and flavors are blended with the chocolate liquor. Conching provides smoothness by breaking down granules.
Tempering
Precise heating and cooling is used to form stable crystals that give dark chocolate its glossy appearance and satisfying "snap".
Types of Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate typically contains anywhere from 70-100% cocoa solids. Higher cocoa content means the chocolate is more bitter with less sugar.
Semisweet or Bittersweet
This style of dark chocolate contains 60-70% cocoa solids with added sugar for balance. It has a rich, velvety texture.
Bittersweet
Bittersweet chocolate is very similar to semisweet but typically has a deeper, more complex flavor. It generally contains less sugar at around 65% cocoa.
Extra Dark
Extra dark chocolate contains about 70-80% cocoa for robust flavor with some added sugar and cocoa butter. Brands like Lindt Excellence and Ghirardelli make extra dark bars.
Dark Milk
Dark milk chocolate combines the higher cocoa content of dark chocolate with cream for smooth sweetness. It has 55-60% cocoa solids.
100% Cacao
Unsweetened 100% cacao chocolate contains no added sugar. The intense purity of chocolate flavor pairs well with fruits or a touch of sweetener.
How to Buy the Best Boxed Dark Chocolate
When buying boxed assortments of dark chocolate, here are some tips to find quality chocolate:
Check Cocoa Percentage
Look for dark chocolate with 60% cocoa content or higher for optimal antioxidant content and health benefits.
Inspect Ingredients
Better quality dark chocolate has a short ingredient list of chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, sugar and minimal additives.
Select Single Origin
Single origin chocolate comes from one region which helps highlight unique flavors from the terroir.
Look for Higher Cacao Butter
More cocoa butter (at least 54%) makes for a richer, creamier mouthfeel.
Avoid Added Vegetable Oils
Some manufacturers add soybean or palm oil rather than cocoa butter, diluting flavor.
Fair Trade Certification
Opt for fair trade brands that promote ethical, sustainable cacao farming practices.
Choosing a Boxed Dark Chocolate Assortment
Boxed assortments allow you to sample different dark chocolate varieties. Here are some top picks:
Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate Assortment
This Lindt assortment includes rich truffles and individually wrapped squares of silky 70% dark chocolate.
Godiva Signature Truffle Flight
Savor the complexity of four artisanal chocolate truffles from master chocolatier Godiva.
Neuhaus Classics Dark Chocolate Gift Box
This gift box from Belgian chocolatier Neuhaus showcases an elegant selection of dark chocolate truffles.
Teuscher Swiss Chocolate Truffle Box
Teuscher is renowned for opulent Swiss chocolate truffles including rich dark chocolate varieties.
Hotel Chocolat The Dark Box
Hotel Chocolat sources fine cocoa for their collection of silky smooth British chocolates with 70% cocoa.
Leonidas Belgian Dark Chocolate Parle Box
Master Belgian chocolate maker Leonidas offers a sophisticated range of dark chocolate candies and pralines.
Vosges Tasting Quartet Dark Chocolate
Vosges creatively pairs dark chocolate with ingredients like olive oil and spices for unique truffles.
Callebaut Dark Chocolate Selection
This extensive selection from a renowned Belgian chocolate maker spans a diversity of dark chocolate varieties and flavors.
Enjoying Dark Chocolate from a Boxed Assortment
Here are some tips for savoring boxed chocolates:
Mindful Tasting
Slow down and tune in to the flavor, texture, and aroma of each chocolate. Let it melt on your tongue.
Smaller Portions
Stick to a couple
FAQs
What are the health benefits of dark chocolate?
Some of the main health benefits of dark chocolate are providing antioxidants, lowering blood pressure, improving heart health, containing prebiotic fiber, and delivering essential minerals like iron and magnesium.
Is boxed dark chocolate high quality?
High quality boxed dark chocolate assortments are available from top artisan chocolate brands. Look for versions with at least 60% cocoa content, minimal additives, and single origin chocolate.
How much dark chocolate should you eat per day?
Aim for around 1-2 ounces or 30-60g of dark chocolate per day to get health benefits while limiting sugar and calories. This equates to a small individually wrapped chocolate or half a dark chocolate bar.
Does dark chocolate need to be refrigerated?
No, dark chocolate does not require refrigeration. Store it at cool room temperature between 60-70°F. Refrigeration can cause sugar bloom on the chocolate.
What ingredients should you look for in good dark chocolate?
High quality dark chocolate has a short ingredient list of chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, sugar, and minimal additives. Look for at least 54% cocoa butter and 60% cocoa solids.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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