Chocolate Origins & Craftsmanship RSS

You’ve likely seen the terms artisan chocolate, artisanal chocolate, and gourmet chocolate—but do you know what they truly mean? When a chocolate maker claims to craft “gourmet chocolate,” what should you expect? At Manufacture CLUIZEL, we believe in both clarity and craftsmanship. Let’s break it down. Artisan vs. Artisanal Chocolate Artisan chocolate typically refers to small-batch, handcrafted creations made with exceptional care and creativity. These are often developed by independent or family-owned makers focusing on limited editions, new flavor experiences, and a hands-on approach. Artisanal chocolate, on the other hand, is a broader term that includes high-quality chocolates made using traditional...

The mesmerizing allure of chocolate has earned it a multitude of nicknames over the centuries, one of the most captivating being the 'food of the gods.' But why is chocolate bestowed with this divine title? In this blog, we delve into the history, mythology, and the delectable qualities that have earned chocolate its heavenly reputation. Divine Origins: From Myth to Reality The term 'food of the gods' traces its origins to the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica, where cacao, the primary ingredient in chocolate, held immense cultural and spiritual significance. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs believed that cacao was a divine...

Have you ever tasted a Single Origin Chocolate? If not, it's not unusual, because most chocolate companies are using blends – cocoa beans coming from different regions of the world - to standardize the taste and control the final result of their creations. However, if you prefer enjoying chocolate as you enjoy a glass of wine, identifying the different aromas and flavors, Single Estate chocolate is the perfect choice. But what are they exactly? Which is best? Cluizel’s team will answer these questions in the following article. I – What is Single Origin chocolate? The term single-origin chocolate seems to be...

According to a study of Euromonitor in 2017, the Europeans are the biggest consumers of chocolate in the world, leaded by the Swiss, (19 lb/person/year) the Austrians (18 lb/person/year), and the Germans (17 lb/person/year). Despite all the brands in the USA offering products with chocolate, our country only holds the 10th place, with 10 lb/person/year, just before the French with 9 lb/person/year. However, has you must know, cocoa is not grown in these countries, but in countries where the climate is more favorable and where cocoa has become a real source of development since the 20th century. In this article,...

 I - The history of the cocoa tree Nobody knows exactly when the cocoa tree, also named “Theobroma cocoa”, was discovered. Scientists say that it could be millions of years old. However, we know that the Olmecs first discovered the gustatory properties of its fruit by seeing rodents eating it vigorously. After that, they decided to consume it in the form of a drink, by crushing the cocoa beans, mixing them with water and spices, chilies, and herbs. The Mayans and the Aztecs then followed this tradition and decided to cultivate the ‘food of the gods’, a symbol of wealth...