Product Description: This is a 70% bittersweet chocolate that we received in bulk form, which means it came as random chunks suitable for melting or chopping for inclusion in cookies and bars. The container has minimal packaging and is 2.2 pounds/1 kilo in size. While this is best for the frequent baker, you can also buy this chocolate as a 3-ounce bar. It is Certified Kosher D.E., vegan and gluten-free.
Image: Peter Muka
Image: Dédé Wilson
Ingredient List: 67% cocoa liquor, 30% organic cane sugar and 3% cocoa butter, pressed in the Askinosie factory.
Test Kitchen Overview: My favorite chocolate has been Valrhona Manjari (64%) for so many years that I named my hard drive after it. I love the hit-you-over-the-head intensity of its acidic flavor profile. You taste citrus and red fruit; it makes you pay attention. I took a bite of this 70% Askinosie and I was floored. No chocolate has excited my taste buds this much in a long time.
While it shares some of the acidic fruitiness of the Manjari, this 70% Askinosie also has a bit of a rounder flavor profile that brings in strong notes of molasses and a touch of woodiness. I reveled in it. It is a brilliant formulation and I am thrilled to have discovered it. It melts beautifully in the mouth and melts in the bowl to a lovely flowy texture, suitable for dipping truffles or candies.
Pros: This chocolate is a welcomed addition to a world increasingly crowded with chocolate choices. If you are a fan of sharp, acidic chocolates, this is a must-try. Also, the Springfield, MO based company is extremely active in pursuing their business as socially responsibly as possible and in their words are “committed to fairness, sustainability, minimal environmental impact and community enhancement.” They practice Open Book Management and profit sharing ensuring clarity of process for all employees and the farmers that they work with directly. They keep their packaging to a minimum, which we also like.
Cons: The chocolate is pricey. The 3-ounce bar is $8.50 when purchased directly from Askinosie Chocolate. The bulk version, since it is in random pieces, is a bit less at $64 for 2.2 pounds/1 kilo.
Suggested Use: Love to eat out of hand. Marvelous in chocolate chunk cookies. Great to use in recipes featuring complementary flavors such as berries, citrus, toffee and caramel. Works well with nuts, too.
Where to Buy: Askinosie Chocolate
Price at Time of Review: $8.50 for 3-ounce bar. $64 for 2.2 pound
Have you tried this product? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Bakepedia received this product as a gift for review. All opinions are the reviewer’s own.
No comments yet.