When you are looking for the best candy or chocolate basket for a loved one, you obviously want to select a quality gift. You must have already tried and tested a variety of different chocolates, which means you have probably come to the conclusion that some are definitely superior to others. The question is: how can quality chocolate be so much better than one of inferior quality? What really defines the quality of a chocolate?

Consider the price

Well, when you buy higher quality chocolate, you will notice that it will automatically have a higher price. This is not only because it tastes better, but also because of the ingredients used to prepare it.

More cocoa

Quality chocolate has a higher cocoa content. Less than 50% cocoa solids and your chocolate won’t taste much like real chocolate. If a chocolate contains more than 70% cocoa solids, it will have a more refined chocolate flavour.

The best ingredients

Quality products use cocoa butter, while cheaper varieties replace it with vegetable oils. These oils are cheaper than real cocoa butter, which helps keep costs down. However, it dramatically affects the flavour and texture of the chocolate. For some, there’s nothing worse than feeling traces of fat stuck to the roof of your mouth after eating chocolate!

Conching

Conching is a term used to describe the process in which chocolate is crushed into a shell. The longer the conching period, the softer the chocolate will be! Obviously this means that the process will take longer and this will also affect the price. However, there is not denying that this will yield high quality chocolate.

Chocolate is supposed to be savoured and enjoyed rather than quickly devoured. Soft, cocoa-rich chocolates are ideal for this. Next time you visit your local supermarket, stock up on cheap chocolate and a more expensive variety. Place them next to each other and inspect the chocolate along with its labels. Take note of the percentages of each ingredient listed and then put them to the test! As you taste them, take note of the texture and aftertaste. Remember all the information above and you will understand why chocolate baskets containing luxurious, quality chocolate are worth every penny. When you try to save money, you may end up purchasing an inferior product that will be more of an insult than a memorable gift.